& August, Proprietors. Jj^ 



FRANK: G. RUFFIN, Editor. 



TH E 




DEVOTED TO 



AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, 



AND THE 



HOUSEHOLD ARTS. 




PRINTED AT RICHMOND, Ya., 
BY MACFARLANE & FERGUSSON 

1857. 




CONTENTS 



™an of Instruction in the Principal and 
Auxiliary Departments of the School of 
Agriculture at the University of Va., 

Peaches from Seed — Experiments with Gu- 
ano on Corn and Wheat, 

Cooking Salsify, 

The Patent Office Report, 

On Soil Analyses, 

A College for Farmers. — Peach Buds Kill- 
ed. — A Great Cheese Factory. — A Sub- 
stitute for Honey, 

To make Hard Candles of Soft Tallow.— 
Sanitary Improvement — Sewage of large 
Cities, - 

Letter addressed to Mr. Lawes of Rotham- 
sted, by M. Payen, upon the question of 
Manures, - 

Four Fireside Saints, 

Kidney Worm in Swine, 

Application of Salt-petre to Seed Wheat. 
More about the Oat Crop, 

Subsoil Ploughing— Wheat Crop in Clarke. 
Seed Corn — Sassafras — Joint Worm, 

Quaere about making Domestic Sugar, 

A Cheap Bee Hive, &c 

Raising Poultry. — To Sweeten Rancid 
Butter, - 

Corn Planters, - 

Farmers' Meeting at the Exchange Hotel, 

Valley Agricultural Society, 



193 

205 
206 

207 
209 



- 211 



212 



213 
214 
215 

216 

217 

218 
219 

221 

222 
223 
226 



" Sorgho Sucre. How to make Sugar. — 

Failure to credit Extracts. — Beardless 

Barley, 
Improvement to Morrison's Reaper. — New 

Books. — Va. State Agricultural Society. 

Osage Orange Hedges, 
Jones on the Richmond Cattle Market, 
More about the Oat Crop. — To put a heavy 

Log on a Wagon without taking off its 

Wheels, 
Emperor, - — 

Distillation of the Beet, 
Dwarf Pears and other Pears, 
Salt for Asparagus, 
Cutting Asparagus. — Mangel Wurzel and 

Sugar Beets. — Transplanting Cabbage.- 

Watch the Weeds, 
Farmer Gripe and the Flowers. — How to 

plant Flowers, 
Annuals, Biannuals and Perennials. — 

Chrysanthemums. — Dahlias.— Verbenas. 

Multum in Parvo, 
Schedule of Premiums, for the Fifth An- 
nual Exhibition of the Virginia State 

Agricultural Society, 
Richmond Cattle Market. — Caterpillars on 

Fruit Trees, - 
Hints on Tobacco Houses. — Wood-Pecker 

Saw Mill, 
Cost of Keeping Work Horses and Oxen, 
Introduction of Plants into England, 



- 22i 



22^ 
23( 



23] 
23: 
23; 
23- 
23^ 



231 

231 

- 24( 

24] 

25; 

25- 
251 

25i 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 

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TH E 




Devoted to Agriculture, Horticulture, and the Household Arts. 



Agriculture is the nursing mother of the Arts. I Tillage and Pasturage are the two breasts of 
—Xenophon. | the State.— Sully. 



FRANK. G. RUFFIN, Editor. 



F. G. RUFFIN & N. AUGUST, Prop'rs. 



Vol. XVII. 



RICHMOND, VA., APRIL, 1857, 



No. 4. 



PLAN OF INSTRUCTION IN THE PRIN- 
CIPAL AND AUXILIARY DEPART- 
MENTS OF THE SCHOOL OF AGRI- 
CULTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF 
VIRGINIA. 

We shall not, by a long preface, repel the 
reader from the following plan of instruction 
which a competent hand has prepared, and now 
submits to the public judgment. We have 
read it diligently, as we advise all others to do 
the same. Those whose education has taught 
them the necessity of including agriculture 
among the liberal professions will here see the 
correctness of their opinions demonstrated by 
a plain statement. Those who think it unne- 
cessary will find by a bare perusal of this sy- 
nopsis and the exercise of a little reflection, 
that there is nothing here, the knowledge of 
which would not advance them in the practice 
of their art. 

^ It has been politely handed us by Mr. Frank- 
lin Minor, one of the committee charged with 
the arrangements of Col. Cocke's munificent 
donation, and whose exertions in the cause of 
agricultural education have been so ardent and 
persistent from the organization of the society. 
We are not permitted to give the name of the 
author ; but we know him well, and can assure 

Id 



our readers that he is a gentleman of fine in- 
tellect, thoroughly trained and highly cultiva- 
ted; himself an adept in what he here pre- 
scribes; and of an age and judgment too ma- 
ture and ripe to act under the impulses of 
mere enthusiasm. 

As a basis for the organization of the 
proposed " School of Agriculture" at the 
University of Virginia, the following sug- 
gestions are submitted : 

Regarding it as unnecessary to recite in 
this connexion, the advantages which are 
likely to accrue from this school to the 
Farming Interest, and to society at large, 
let it be proposed to divide the Department 
of Agriculture into 

I—" The School of Theory and Practice 
of Agriculture." 

TI — u The Supplementary Department," or 
[" -Preparatory Scientific Department"] 

The late President of the Agricultural 
Society of Virginia, in his « Report" to 
the "Assembly," has indicated the bran- 
ches of special and general [or collate- 
ral] knowledge which these departments 
should embrace, assigning the whole to 
three professors. But, until the endow- 
ments, of which his liberality has supplied 
so material a part, shall have been con- 



194 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



sumated, the existing schools of the Uni- 
versity mav be looked to for aid. It is 
supposed that these may supply in a series 
of lectures prepared and delivered, for a 
prescribed fee, to the class of the " School 
of Agriculture," all the instruction not 
pertaining to the " Speciality." 

Recognizing the importance of a judi- 
cious initiation to the ultimate success of 
this enterprise, especial care seems neces- 
sary in adjusting certain preliminaries, 
such as 

1. The conditions, in respect of age, 
morals and education, upon which pupils 
may be admitted into the School. 

2. The course of study to be persued in 
the two "Departments." 

It may, with reason, be doubted wheth- 
er any conditions of admission need be 
prescribed, leaving the question where it 
is left in the schools of Law and Medicine, 
to the discretion of young men and their 
friends, tested by subsequent conduct and 
progress. 

If, however, in accordance^ with usage 
in the most distinguished agricultural 
schools in Europe, any terms of prepara- 
tion be designated, they may be, 

1. Ability to read the English language 
correctly, in prose and poetry ; to write a 
fair hand ; to compose, upon the occasion, 
an essay in English, twenty or more lines 
in length, correctly spelled and dictated. 

% Acquaintance with tjhe theory and 
notation of Arithmetic; with the four 
o-reat rules, addition, substraction, multi- 
plication, division; with Fractions, vul- 
gar and decimal ; with the extraction of 
roots ; with proportion and progression. 

3. A knowledge of that portion of sym- 
ihetic Geometry which treats of lines, 
plane angles and curves, and plane sur- 
faces. 

4. Good moral character. 

The course of study ought to be suffi- 
cient to ensure an amount of mental train- 
ing, with actual attainments in agricultu- 
ral science, and the kindred branches of 
learning, proportioned to their dignity and 
importance : with a provision, however, that 
the course may be accomplished by youny 
men of fair capacity, possessing the requi- 
site preparation, in one session of nine 
months. 

When, by experience of its beneficent 
results, prejudices shall have been remov- 
ed, and popular interest awakened, the 



'standard may be, by degrees, advanced, 
until two sessions will be required to com- 
plete the course. 

Another step will be, to divide the class 
into two, a Junior and a Senior. The stu- 
dents who compose them will be selected 
according to the usual rules of greater or 
less proficiency. 

It will be the province of the Professors 
to arrange, by concert among themselves, 
the several parts of the whole :( curricu- 
lum," so that each shall have its proper 
place and consideration, in reference to 
all the others. Thus : 

The " accessory" or "Supplementary 
Lectures" as being designed to illustrate 
the chief subject, Agriculture, will appro- 
priately belong to the first part of the ses- 
sion. Their application will be found in 
the studies of the latter half. 

In like manner, the professor of Agri- 
culture proper, (the "Theory and Practice 
of Agriculture") will occupy the earlier 
monihs of the session, with subjects pure- 
ly' agricultural. If, in the classification 
hereinafter to be presented, some topics 
are brought up too soon, they will have 
to be postponed until the class may have 
received in the co-ordinate schools, suita- 
able preparation. 

The supplementary lectures, having, by 
supposition, been completed in Ihe first 
4£ or 5 months, the Professor of Agricul- 
ture will devote the remainder of the ses- 
sion, to a continuation of those subjects 
which are simply Agricultural, and to the 
discussion of what requires reference to 
the preparatory scientific instruction. 

In the meantime, also, this professor 
may have gathered from the class, those 
who, by better preparation and superior 
diligence, are fitted to be seniors. 

To all of this class, who are found upon 
examination, duly qualified, Diplomas may 
be granted. 



In that department which we have de- 
signated u Theory and Practice of Agri- 
culture," let us attempt a general classifi- 
cation of the topics which present them- 
selves in contemplating the whole subject. 
After which, it may be useful, in further- 
ance of the action of the (( Special Com- 
mittee," to develope in somewhat copious 
detail, the particulars into which some 
leading heads may be resolved. 

Having completed this, we will exhibit 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



195 



a similar synopsis of Department If., re- 
solving in like detail, at least one of the 
principal divisions. So that we may form 
an appreciative' estimate of what is to be 
taught, and even approximate to the num- 
ber of lectures by which it may be accom- 
plished. Thus : 

"Theory and Practice or Agricul- 
ture." 
General View. 
A. — Definition of Term Agriculture, fyc. 
B. — History and Literature of Agricul- 
ture, Schools, Sec. 
a.* In times preceding the building of 
Rome. 

b. In times succeeding that event, to 
15th century, especially in Britain from 
Roman conquest to Agricola, &c. — During 
Saxon Dynasty, &c. 

c. On continent of Europe, during same 
period. 

d. From its revival in reign of Henry 
VIII. of England and Elizabeth, to end of 
civil wars. 

e. From civil wars to Geo. III. through- 
out world. 

f From Geo. III. to present period. 
g. Particular History in Va. since 1800. 

Literature of do. 
h. Consideration of Text Books. 
i. Agricultural Schools. 

1. In Europe, Plans of, &c. 

2. In United States, &c. 



C. — Agricultural Economy. — Definition. 
Divided into consideration of 

a. Land. b. Labor, c. Live stock. 

d. Capital (circulating or floating.) 

e. Valuable proceeds. 

a. Land. — Soil. 2. Water. 3. Minerals. 

4. Forests. 
Soil. — Definition — 

Varieties — as Argillaceous. 

Siliceous, Turf-lands. 
Subsoils, Loam, &c, &c. 
Value (in exchange and in use) — how 
affected by 
Geological characters. 
Climate, exposure. 
Facilities of transportation. 
Density of population. 
Staple crops, morals, &c, &c. 

* Note. — These periods are selected partly 
because of their general prominence in Chro- 
nology, and partly because they mark eras in 
the History of Agriculture. 



Management. Systems of Field culture 
on Continent of Europe. 
In Great Britain and Ireland. 
In U. S. A., &c. } &c. 
JVomenclatu? e of 

Farm operations. 
" Tools. 1 
" Buildings, &c. 
Selection of a Farm. 

Principles by which guided. 
Character of Soil and Exposure, 
proportion of cleared and Timber — 

Land ; 
Quantity and quality of Stone ; 
Bottom land, and up land ; 
Buildings of brick, stone or of wood 

&c, &c. 
Under good enclosures or not ; 
Subject to overflows ; 

" foul growths ; 
Supplies of water for all purposes. 
Contiguity to markets, mills, shops, 

schools, See. 
Principleswhich indicate how much 
debt may be incurred in buying 
a farm. 
Division of — into Fields, decided by 
Position with regard to barn and stables. 
Water. 
" " Ploughing and 

relative productiveness of Soils. 

into Lots, for grazing, truck crops, &c. 

into Meadows, &c. 

into Orchards, &c. 

What proportion of Wood land to re- 
tain, 8?c. 
Rotation of Crops — Theory and methods of. 
Tillage — -By ploughs, by hoe, by spade, 

&c. 
By Plozighs. Origin, history, improve- 
ments. 
Philosophy of construction for 
Cleaving; Turning; Draught. 
Varieties — 1 horse, 2, 3, 4, &c. 

Horse. 
Principles controlling set of 

point and beam, Sfc. 
Subsoil ploughs — principles & 
requisites. 
Different kinds of furrowing — The- 
ory, &)C. 
Proper state of land for ploughing, 

in Summer. 
Proper state of land for ploughing, 

Fall, &c. Principles. 
Principles which govern this with 
regard to wet, dry, &c. 



196 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



Fixtures, such as gear single trees, 
double, See, &c. 
By Hoes — Modifications, adaptations. 
By Spades — Trenching, &c. 
Pasturage — Principles of selection with 
regard to the land. 
Principles of selection with re- 
gard to the stock. 
Effects of tramping and graz- 
ing upon grasses, wheat, rye, 
and upon the Soil. 
Meadows. 

Permanent and Temporary. 
Preparation of land — Times of Seed- 
ing, &c. 
Treatment from year to year. 
Manures — Different kinds. 

Animal, excrements, bones, hair, &c. 
Mineral, lime, &c. 
Composted, 
Shading. 
Various methods and times of applica- 
tion. 

At and after seed time. 
On Grasses, &c. 
Theory of action. 
Drainage. Origin, varieties, principles 

and practice. 
Irrigation. Theory and practice. 
Fences. — Different kinds. — Stone. — Wire. 
Timber — Post and rail. 

Stake, rail and cap. 
Worm Rail. 
Post and plank. 
Live and Wattled fences. 
Sod fences, Ditch and timber com- 
bined. 
Roads. — Principles of Location, Repair, 
&c. 
Value of good Roads, &x. 
Bridges. 

Houses of the Farm. — Overseers' or Stew- 
ards' Houses — position, &c. 
Stables for Horses — Position, arrange- 
ment, &c, 
Stables for Cattle, &c, &c. 
Barns — Grain, Hay, Tobacco, 

Cotton, Sugar, &c. 
Negro Cabins, Work Shops, Shelters, 
&c. 
Machines, Mills. Presses. — Description of 
principal varieties. 
General principles or Theory of Con- 
struction, &c. 
Comparative Value, &c, he. 
Farm Tools and Implements — not embraced 
in preceding: Carts, 



Wagons, &c. 
Seeding and Planting, generally. 
Cultivation. 
Harvesting — General principles of — 

[The particulars under the several 
varieties of crops.] 

2. Water. — Its uses, distribution, &c, 

with reference to Agriculture, 
Domestic purposes. 
Milling and other motive power. 

3. Minerals. — Classification and des- 

scription of as they concern 
Manures, artificial or natural, 
Building purposes. 
Fuel. 

Other agricultural uses. 
4. Forests. 

Relations to soil, in different Geolog- 
ical Formations. 
Theories of rotation in Growths. 
Preserving. Period of Reproduc- 
tion. 
How to estimate annual increase of 
value, &c. 

6. Labour. 
Definition. — ' Source of exchangeable val- 
ue,' &c. 
Several departments of Labour. 
Agricultural — Manual. 1. Slave. 

2. Free. 
By machinery — varieties. 
Brute 

Manufacturing — Manual. 1. Slave. 

2. Free. 
By machinery — various forms and 
motive powers. 

Commercial. 
Intellectual. 
Means of facilitating Labour. 
By division of — 
By exchanging products, &c. 
Wages of Labour. — Principles of in refer- 
ence to Agriculture. 
Slave Labour. — 1. Its value in given cli- 
mates and staple crops, compared 
with Free labour. 

2. Its absolute profits as a part of ' Fixed 

Capital.' 

a. in respect of agricultural produc- 
tions. 

b, " natural increase. 

3. Its proper management. 

a. Discipline, training, instruction of 
slaves in religion, in Agricultural 
and mechanic arts. 

b. Judicious application of Labour. 

c. Hiring in and hiring out. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



191 



d. Negro cabins, Feeding negroes, 
clothing &c, as they concern Econ- 
omy, Comfort, Health, &c. 
Superintendence. 

1. By the Proprietor. 

2. Overseers or Stewards. 

a. Their qualfications. 

b. Their rights, duties &c. 

c. Wages, how to be propor- 
tioned. 

c. Live- Stock. 
Horses. — Nat. History, Breeds &c, cross- 
breeding, raising, breaking, feed- 
ing, using, profits of raising &c. 
Principles in choice for various uses. 
Mules. — Nat. History, &c. 
Horned Cattle. — Nat. History, &c, breeds 

&c. [as in ' Horses. 'j 
Hogs. — Nat. History &c. 
Sheep. — Nat. History, &c, Pastoral His- 
tory — Breeds, adaptations, compar- 
ative value, &c. 
Pastures for &c, &c. 

d. Capital. 
Definition — Fixed 

Circulating — Relations between 
these and 
Profits in Farming — Relations to each 
other &c. 
Value in use of 
Capital invested in educating the Intel- 
lect of the young, as a material part of 
sound Agricultural Economy. 

e. Valuable Proceeds 
of Land, Labour, Live-stock, circulating 
capital. 
.Best principles or Rules for estimating 

Profits of investments in land, la- 
bour, livestock and circulating 
capital. 
Staple Crops. 

Wheat, Corn, Tobacco, Cotton, Sugar, 
Rice, Hemp, Sec. 

As an example of the analysis and ar- 
rangement supposed to be requisite in the 
study of Staple crops let us take Wheat. 
Wheat. History. — Botanical, Commer- 
cial. 
Agricultural — 
Countries which, in ancient times grew 
wheat: Changes that have occurred 
and the reasons. 
Character and climate and soil suited 

to growth of. 
Place in Farm Rotation. 
Preparation for Seeding. 



Selection of Seed: — Seeding 
Times of: 

Quantity of seed, vices, reme- 
dies. 
Distribution of Seed. 
Methods of putting in. 
Manures applicable to. 

Times and methods of applying. 
Quantity — principles guiding. 
Dangers to which the crop is liable, 
From seasons, storms, &c. 
Insects and diseases. 
Fungi and other pests. 
Means of averting them. 
Harvest. State of grain suitable for — 

Milk, 
Dough. 
Hard. 
Methods of reaping. — By hand. 

With machines called ' Reapers' &c. 
Methods of securing in the field. — 'Doz- 
ens' with and without binding. 
Hand-stacks, &c. 
Stacking and Housing — which eligible ac- 
cording to amount of labour at 
command. 
Threshing, time of. — Machines for — Com- 
parative value. 
Preservation ajter Threshing. 
Considerations determining delivery and 

Sale. 
Preservation of seed wheat. 

Straw and Chaff-— their 
uses on Farm : 
For food ; for manure in various 

forms : , 

Rotted, unrotted, applied on surface, 

ploughed in, &c. 
Proportion of quantity and value 
which straw and chaff bear to the 
Grain. 
Corn. [This and the succeeding subjects 
admit of a similar developement.] 
Tobacco — Sugar — Rice. 
Cotton — Hemp, &c. 

Inferior Crops. — Flax, Barley, Oats, 
Buckwheat, Root crops. 
Hay. 
Varieties — Stages of maturity best 

suited for mowing in each. 
Comparative value of these varie- 
ties. 
Best methods of curing, preserving 
stacking, housing, feeding, &c, Scc' # 

Beef, Mutton, Pork. 

Principles which guide in selection of 



198 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



animals for. Fatting, grazing, 
feeding, &c. 

Food of different kinds — nutritive proper- 
ties. 
Forms best fitted to nourish. 
Estimation of live and dead weights, 
&c. 

Wools. — Varieties and value — Principles 
connected with growing of: Qual- 
ity, pastures adapted to, &c. 



Milk, Butter, Cheese, Poultry, Bees, 

Silk- Worms. 
D. Domestic Economy — General Theory, 
&c, &c. 
A. Rural Architecture. — Designing. 
Contracts for building. 
Comparative value of Timber. 
Brick. 

Stone for build- 
ing. 
Reasons for electing to build with one 
rather than another, having refer- 
ence to Economy. 1 
Durability. 
Comfort. 
Dryness. 
Rough casting on Brick or Stone. 
Mansion. 

Design — Interior, exterior. 
Warming — Furnaces, &c. 
Chimneys — Fireplaces — Theory and 

practical construction of. 
Position, Distance and arrangement 
of Mansion with respect to other 
buildings. 

a. of the Curtilage. 

b. of the Farm yard, Horse Sta- 
bles, Cattle Stables, &c. 

c. Dairy. Ice House, &c. 
Curtilage — Definition — Buildings proper 

to ; Enclosures for — 
Dimensions in economical and orna- 
mental aspects. 
Kitchen — Location, construction, &c. 
Apparatus — open fire, 
Range, Stove, Boilers, &c. 
Servant's Apartments, Laundry, Sfc. 
Smoke House. Construction — requisites — 
Rat proof of Wood on Posts. 

Cement floors &c. 
Wood House — Ice House. 

Construction— Pits in ground. 
Walls of timber, Stone, 
Brick, lined with Charcoal &c. 
Pens above ground. 
Theory of Ice Houses. 



Plans for supplies of Water — Pumps, 

Rams, Syphons &c. 
Privies. Importance to Health &c. 
b. House Service. — Attendants — Slave. 

Free. 
Discipline, instruction &c. 
Furniture — for 

Dining and Sitting Parlour. 
Bed Chambers. 

Purchase and Preservation of, &c. 
c. Domestic manufactures. 

1. Curing Meats, Bacon, beef. &c. 

Preserving Fruits, Vegetables, &c. 

2. Cotton, Flax, Wool, Hemp &c. : 

Uses of Slave labour for : 
Economy of making compared with 
buying, &c, &c, 

d. Horticulture. 
Landscape gardening. 
Gardens for Vegetables, Fruits, Flow- 
ers. 

e. Domestic animals. 

1. Fowls. Nat. History, Breeding &c. 

11 Uses, Profits, expense. 

2. Dogs. Nat. History, Breeds of — 

" Uses. Economy of — 
" Relations to Sheep husbandry. 
E. General and particular application of 
the Kindred Sciences. 
Review of the methods of analysing 

Soils, &c. 
Relative value of different soils for 

different crops &c. 
General Theories of action of ma- 
nures. 
Study of Levelling, engineering, sur- 
veying, as directly applied to farm- 
ing purposes. 
Measurement of surfaces. 
Land-measures in ancient and mod- 
ern times. 
Land measures in U. S. and other coun- 
tries comp'd. 
Making Platts, getting areas, dividing 
landed properties, &c. 
Measurement of Solids — Hewn and Rough 
stones. 

Loose and broken stones, sand. 
Earths excavated and filled: 
Stacks, heaps of manure. 
Trees standing and felled, Timber, 
walls, wagons, granaries &c. 
Discussion of materials in Masonry, Brick, 
Stone, Cement, &c. 
Walls for foundation, arches, &c. 
Relative and absolute strengths of dif- 
ferent metals. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



199 



Woods, Cordage, &c, under different 
kinds of ' strain,' in different forms 
&c. 
Relative and absolute durability. 
Principles and modes of preserva- 
tion. 
Carpenters and other mechanic work 

estimated. 
Construction of Floors, Scaffoldings, 

Roofs, &c. 
Blacksmith's Work — manufacture of 
Leather and Cordage : cost and 
modes of estimating value. 
Agricultural Technology. 

Manufactuie of Lime, Cements, 

Bricks. 
Plastering, charcoal, starch, vegetable 

oils. 
Vinegar, Soaps, &c, &c. 
Study of other principles of Mechan- 
ical Philosophy — the mechanic 
powers, 
Hydrostatics, Hydraulics, Pneumat- 
ics in their direct application to 
Machinery. 
Water Powers. 
Water Pipes &c. 
Study of Light) Heat, Electricity, Magnet- 
ism as they are supposed to affect the 
interests of Agriculture, vegetable 
growths &c. 
The study of { Observation of Phenomena.'' 
Just views in relation to. 

1. Connected with the weather. Its ef- 

fects on operations and field products, 
live stock &c. 

Heat and cold, Rain and drought, &c. 
Probabilities of rain, wind, Frost &c. 
according to signs in the air and those 
afforded by Thermometer and Barom- 
eter. 

Study of localities with reference to 
such events. 

2. Times of planting, sowing, reaping, 

killing and curing meats, cutting tim- 
ber &c. Destroying vermin, attack- 
ing field pests, shrubs, &c. 
How long certain seeds require to 
germinate, vegetate, come to ear, to 
harvest or gathering, &c. 

3. Estimate crops*before reaping : Cattle 

wts. while growing: Handling for 
that purpose : measurements fordo: 
Same for horses, sheep, hogs. 

4. Farm Journals &c. Register of each 

field, quantity of Land, labour, ma- 
nure, seed : circumstances attending 



operations, whether quickly and well 

done, or interrupted and by what &c, 

&c. 
Form of Journal. — Best models. 
System of Farm accounts. — Plan of farms. 

Cost of — Do. of stock &c, &c. 
1 Account current' or summary for year, 

8fc. 



Such will be the general outline, with 
the details belonging to some of the heads, 
as adverted to in the earlier part of this 
paper. 

The Veterinary Art in a regularly orga- 
nized school seem to belong to the depart- 
ment in which were studied comparative 
Anatomy and Physiology, If it have to 
be severed from that connexion in the ex- 
igencies of this experiment, the professor 
of agriculture will be, perhaps, best suited 
to its charge. 

Experimental and Model Farms are so 
uniformly associated with agricultural 
schools that our scheme cannot be regarded 
as complete until there is established near 
the University at least, a Farm which may 
combine the properties of both. 

All the analogies derived from medi- 
cal and law schools, naval and military 
schools, are in favor of practical demon- 
stration, but it is by no means true that 
the want of these will render an Agri- 
cultural School impotent for good. It is 
probable that, by means of Models, Draw- 
ings, and Specimens, combined with a ju- 
dicious exposition of elementary princi- 
ples, particular and general laws, the 
school in contemplation may attain to em- 
inent usefulness. 



In that which we have denominated the 
" Supplementary department," it will not be 
difficult to designate the subjects which 
ought to be studied as subsidiary to the 
first division. By common consent, it 
will embrace certain elements of 

1. Natural Philosophy, including Meteo- 

rology, Physical Geography, Mineral- 
ogy, Geology. 

2. Chemistry, Inorganic, Organic, Agri- 

cultural. 

3. Mathematics, including the elements of 

Surveying, Levelling, Engineering, 
&c. 

4. Botany, including Vegetable Physiolo- 
5. Comparative Anatomy and Physiology, 






2)0 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



including Zoology, Entomology and 
Veterinary art. 

6. Political Economy. 

7. Law, International, Constitutional, Mu- 

nicipal. 



3. 



As respects the extent of the knowledge 
to be communicated in these supplemen- 
tary lectures, scarcely more can be expec- 
ted than a limited acquaintance with their 
subjects. The instruction ought to be 
sufficiently enlarged to impart an available 
knowledge of the elementary facts and laws 
in each, so that, in using the nomenclature 
symbols or truths belonging to them, the 
Professor of Agriculture may be under- 
stood. 

Accordingly, there might be taught of 

NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. 

The general properties of matter. 
The mechanics of Solids. 
The mechanics of Liquids. 
The mechanics of Airs. 

5. Imponderable agents, Heat, &c. 

6. Astronomy, or mechanics of the Hea- 

vens. 

OF CHEMISTRY. 

1. General Theory of Atoms. 

2. Illustration of chemical composition and 
decomposition. 

Description of chief inorganic elements, 
&c. 

4. Organic Chemistry, general principles 

and some particulars. 

5. Some illustrations of Chemistry as ap- 

plied to Agriculture. 

6. General principles of Chemistry, Anal- 

ysis, with particular illustrations bear- 
ing upon Agriculture, Soils, &c. 

OF BOTANY. 

A similar outline of general principles ; 
explanations of the several botanical ' sys- 
tems,' so that the student may distinguish 
ordinary botanical specimens, comprehend 
written descriptions, &c. 

OF MATHEMATICS. 

Can be acquired only a very slender 
knowledge, in these lectures ; not more 
than the special demonstrations in Geome- 
ary and Trigonometry usually made to pre- 
cede a merely practical course of survey- 
ing. The use of " Logarilhm" Tables, of 
surveying instruments, taking field notes, 
calculating contents, by several methods, 
as of Triangulation, latitude and departure, 
&c, may be added. 



OF THE OTHER BRANCHES. 

The student will be obliged to rest sat- 
isfied with a like skeleton view, until the 
young men of the country begin so to ap- 
preciate scientific agricultural education, 
that they will prepare themselves for it 
by special previous study of the allied 
sciences. 

In order to have a yet more distinct 
view of what the student of Agriculture 
should be taught preparatory to the special 
course, let us resolve into details, one of 
the leading subjects, for example : 

NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. 

1. General properties of matter — Exten- 
sion, figure, impenetrability, divisibility, 
inertia, attraction, (cohesion and gravity,) 
porosity, compressibility, elasticity. 

2. Mechanics of Solids — Statics, Dyna- 
mics, Equilibrium, motion. Relation of 
force to motion — 1st. Movers ; 2d. Mo- 
vers, or machines, converting one motion 
into another, &c. Composition and reso- 
lution of forces : opposite, in same and in 
different directions. Resultants — Compo- 
sition and resolution of motion. Direc- 
tion and velocity of motion. Velocity 
virtual, uniform — motion retarded, accele- 
rated, resultants of motion, momentum — of 
solids, liquids, airs. Formulae for elements 
of momentum = matter X Velocity, &c. 

Action and Reaction, reflected motion. 
Angle of incidence and reflexion. 

Compound motion, curvilinear motion, 
centre of motion, centre of magnitude — 
Centripetal force, centrifugal do. — Centre 
of gravity, terrestrial gravity — Explana- 
tion and illustration, with formu Ice expres- 
sing heights, velocities , and times — Laws 
of: uniformly accelerated motion. 

Practical Mechanics. — Calculation, pro- 
duction and direction of motion. Power 
of machines. What is a machine ? prop- 
er functions ; does not increase mechani- 
cal energy of power, only changes direc- 
tion and velocity. 

Formula of weight and power, or of mo- 
menta of weight and power. 
Condition of equilibrium, moment, of P. 

= moment, of W. 
Condition of accelerated motion towards P. 

when moment, of P. > moment, of W. 
Condition accelerated motion towards W, 

when moment, of P. < moment, of W. 
Power gained at expense of time, &c. &c. 
Classification of Machines. Simple, com- 
plex. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



201 






Simple machines == mechanical powers. 
1. Lever. 2. Wheel and axle. 3. 
Pulley. 4. Inclined plane. 5. 
Wedge. 6. Screw. 
May be reduced to three denominations; 
I. A solid body turning on an axis. 
II. A Flexible cord. 
III. A Hard and smooth inclined surface. 
Laws and formula of relation between 

power and weight. 
Some applications and modifications of each 
simple machine. 
Formula of relation between power and 
weight in some of these modifications. 

Complex machines, examples and princi- 
ples. 

Methods of regulating machinery. — Con- 
trivances for; causes of irregular motion, 
&c. 

Pendulum, Theory of: Laws, as respecting 
Times of vibration, length, weight; 
Force of gravity, &c, Relations to, &c. 
Centres of oscillation and suspension. 
Compensation Pendulum, &c. &c. 
Resisting; or passive forces. 1. Friction, 
of sliding, of rolling: Laws of both. — 
Angle of repose. Best line of draught : 
application of these principles to fami- 
liar machines, carriages, &c. 
2. Rigidity of cordage. — Formulae of Pe- 
schel R = d'w 32d lbs. Relations be- 
tween resistance (R) and certain forms 
of front ; degrees of speed ; media, &c. 
Strength of materials. — Tested by forces 
applied in various directions — metals, 
woods, ropes, &c. 
Practical deductions in relation to each, 
under the several tests, direct pull, pres- 
sure and thrust, torsion, transverse strain, 
&c. &c. 
Effect of Form upon strength of metal, 
wood, cordage; strength of certain veg- 
etable and animal substances under par- 
ticular form and combinations. 
Particular investigations of strength of 
materials to resist " transverse strain." 
Prismatic beams : cylindrical, rectangu- 
lar, square. 
Formulae under various modes of applying 
the breaking force to any prismatic beam. 
Effect of transverse section on strength of 

beams. 
Relation of centre of gravity of sectional 
areas, to strength of beam. 

1. When one end is supported. 

2. -When both ends are supported, &c. 



Transverse strength of Hollow and Solid 
Cylinders. 

Strength of do — To resist crushing strain. 

Tables of pulling., crushing, transverse re- 
sistances, for wood, metals, he. 



Mechanics of liquids. — Special properties 
of liquids: wanting cohesion and repul- 
sion — more easily among themselves. 

1. HYDROSTATICS. 

Fundamental mechanical jw op erty oi liquids, 
equal pressure in all directions. Some 
consequences deducible. 

Hydrostatic paradox : — Bellows ; — Press, 
&c. Pressure on bottom and sides of 
vessels greater than weight of liquid. 
Pressure on dams and embankments. 
Point of average depth ; application of 
principles. 

Jl dual pressure of water per square inch 
and foot at given depths. Correspond- 
ing pressure of other liquids. 

Specific gravity : Areometer, Hydrometer, 
&c. Fountains, springs, points of re- 
fluence ; Levelling, &c. 

2. 



pipes, 

water, 

Find- 



HYDRAULICS. 

Motion of liquids through channels, 
orifices ; machines for raising 
(Belier's, &c.) Pumps, &c. &c. 
ing contents of pipes of given diameter 
for any required height or length. 

Force to be derived from liquids in motion. 

Water wheels of various species — Methods 
of determining their power. Barker's 
mill, &c. 



Mechanics of Jlirs. — Atmospheric air and 

other elastic fluids. 
Solids and fluids in respect of elasticity, 

compressibility, &c. 

Differences, laws and reasons. 

Barometers, Air Pumps, Force Pumps, 
Syphons. 
Acoustics, leading: theories and facts. 



Imponderables. 

1. Heat. Theory of: Combustion. — 
Conducting powers of bodies : Cold : 
Radiation : Reflection : Dew, Va- 
pours, Steam : Latent Heat : Specific 
Heat. Definition and illustrations. — 
Pyrometer, Thermometer, Hygrome- 
ter. 



202 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



2. Light. General properties and 
several Theories of. — Refraction, laws 
of: by prisms and lenses: Images 
formed by lenses : Vision of images : 
apparent magnitude, &c. Principles 
and description of Telescope and Mi- 
croscope. 
Ci C Reflexion of Light. — Plane, convex 
h < and concave mirrors : Reflecting 
*i ( telescopes, microscopes, &c. 

Decomposition of Light. — Prism : 
Spectrum, &c. Different powers and 
properties of several rays : Illumina- 
Yting power, Chemical power, Heating 
^nd magnetising power, how distribu- 
ted : Relations to germination and 
vegetation. Explain Rainbow, Auro- 
ra borealis, Mirage. &c. &,c. 

3. Electricity. — General facts and Theo- 
ries. The several kinds of electricity. 
Excitation, attraction, repulsion, distri- 
bution, induction, transference, electrics, 
non-electrics, conductors, non-conduc- 
tors. 

Electric machine : Jars ; Batteries explain- 
ed. 

Galvanic Electricity: Origin: Theory, 
leading facts — and apparatus connected 
with. 

4. Magnetism-. Facts and Theories. 
Polarity. Attraction of Iron, Steel. 

Magnetic Iron, &c. Laws of magnetic 

forces. 
Magnetism of the Earth. Mariner's 

Compass. 
Land compass, Variation compass. 
Azimuth compass. 
Electro- Magnetism. — Definition and The- 
ory. 

Mechanics of the Heavens. 

Solar System. — Facts and theories. Vari- 
ation of seasons. Laws and explana- 
tions. Solar sidereal and mean time. 
Moons, latitude, longitude, transits, 
eclipses, tides, comets, &c, &c. 



To these topics it is proposed that the 
Professor of Natural Philosophy shall add, 
an outline of the general principles of 
1. Meteorology. 2. Physical Geography. 
3. Mineralogy. 4. Geology, 
giving to some of them, as Geology, a 
larger share of attention, proportioned to 
their importance in relation to Agricul- 
ture. 



Inspecting this ' summary? it seems 
probable that an adequate exposition of 
the leading facts and truths may be made 
in about 18 lectures for Natural Philoso- 
phy proper, and 8 or 10 for the succeed- 
ing subjects, Geology, Meteorology, &c. 

It becomes a question of interest, how 
the whole course of ' Supplementary lec- 
tures'' may be introduced so as to afford 
I to the special agricultural course, the 
[most timely and effective aid. To this 
'end, it has already been indicated that 
;they should occupy the earlier months of 
the session. 

Divide the whole series into six 'parts? 
and suppose 18 lectures assigned to each, 
as sufficient for the elucidation of the sub- 
jects thereof, we have 108 ' supplementary' 
lectures. Assign one for each day of the 
week, and they will be accomplished in 
about A\ months, or half the session. 

If any ' parts' remain incomplete at 
the end of this time, they may readily be 
continued ; and, if any are thus to be de- 
ferred until the latter half of the session 
those embracing Political Economy and 
Law will, at once, appear suited to this 
postponement. 

And, inasmuch as any estimate of the 
amount of knowledge to be conveyed in the 
several compartments will be wholly conjec- 
tural until it is put to actual experiment, 
we shall not err in providing that the class 
may be occupied, to greater or less extent, 
throughout the session, with these ' ac- 
cessory branches." 

Scientific men will naturally revolt at 
the idea of abridging and symplifying phi- 
losophy and Law, so as to be learned in a 
given number of lectures. Let us give 
them due latitude, but it is clear that the 
instruction in these ' accessory branches,' 
afforded to the class of the ' School of Ag- 
riculture,' is to be selected and elementary. 
The usual course in the several schools 
will not be adapted to the wants of this 
class, nor to its attainments. It will be 
unsuited in respect both of time and of 
character. 

The division into ' parts may be as fol- 
lows : — with the explanation, that this ar- 
rangement does not assign the subjects un- 
der the respective heads, to the same Profes- 
sor ; but is merely intended to indicate 
the sequence in which these subjects may 
be studied in the period of four or five 
months : 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



203 



4. 



o. 



organic, agri- 



1. On natural Philosophy there may be 

about 18 lectures. 

2. " Chemistry Inorganic 

cultural — 18. 

3. " Mathematics, Mineralogy, Geology, 

&c. 18. 

Botany, Vegetable physiology, com- 
parative Anatomy and Physiology, 
18. 

Zoology, Veterinary art, Political 
Economy. 18. 
6. " Law International, Constitutional, 
Municipal. 18. 

It is supposed that Mathematics, as it 
can embrace nothing more than the ele- 
ments of surveying, levelling, engineering, 
may be taught by the Professor of Mathe- 
matics, in less than 18 lectures : and that 
the remainder of the time allotted to this 
'part' may be appropriated to lectures 
(by the Professor of Nat. Philosophy) on 
Mineralogy, Geology, Meteorology, Physi- 
cal Geography. 

So, also, Botany and vegetable Physiol- 
ogy being likely not to require 18 lectures 
will leave a remainder of the time allotted 
to its 'part,' for lectures on the " Com- 
parative Anatomy and Physiology." 

So, * Veterinary Art,' Polit. Economy 
may follow in the division of time allotted 
to ' Zoology fycJ Sfc, Sfc. 

It thus appears that these professors 
will, some of them, deliver but one « sup- 
plementary' lecture a week ; others will 
deliver two : 

That, as regards the class of ' Theory 
and practice of Agriculture,' it will, ac- 
cording to supposition, attend one supple- 
mentary lecture, and one Agricultural lec- 
ture (either Junior or Senior) every day 
until the former course is completed, and 
afterwards, but one, (the agricultural), un- 
less there remain some unfinished 'parts.' 

Another and perhaps not the least im- 
portant consideration in the inauguration 
of this enterprise is the adjustment of 
fees. Not only must the Tuition be libe- 
ral and practical, but it must be suited, in 
respect of cost, to the exigencies of the 
class of persons who will be, in large de- 
gree, expected to seek it. 

Following the analogy which has been 
several times referred to, of the Schools 
of Law and Medicine, it will not be un- 
safe or unequal, to make the fees ot those 
schools our criterion here. 

The dignity of the 'profession' of agri- 



culture, its intrinsic importance and the la' 
hour to be expended in the course of Instruc- 
tion, strongly inculcate this rule of adjust- 
ment. 

Farm for Demonstration or Instruc- 
tion. 

It has been conceded in this paper, that 
by means of ' Models,' ' Plates,' and 
' Specimens,' the school of Agriculture 
may attain to eminent usefulness. Yet it 
is probable that its full capacity for good, 
can be developed only by ' Demonstra- 
tions' on a ' Farm.' 

The objects of such an Appendage to a 
school of ' Theory and Practice,' seem to 
be, to illustrate in a given climate and soil, 
the best methods of Husbandry ; — to show 
the management of Farm in the details, 
and in the whole : to teach, by the pupil's 
' taking hold' with his own hands, the arts 
of draining, ploughing, sowing, harrowing, 
cultivating, reaping, stacking, threshing 
and preparing the products, for market : 
to explain the management and treatment 
of all live-stock on the place, whether de- 
signed for food or labour or other pro- 
ducts: to teach the duties of shepherds 
and graziers : the a whole management of 
the stall and dairy : the duties of an ' over- 
seer' or ' steward of the Farm ;' the 
practical keeping of Farm accounts, and 
daily Records. 

This excludes what is technically termed 
an ' Experimental Farm,' as it is defined 
by one of the most approved writers on 
Practical Agriculture: — a farm, " the sole 
object of which is, to become acquainted 
w r ith the best properties of plants and an- 
imals by experiment, and to ascertain 
whether or not those objects are worthy to 
be introduced into an ordinary farm : — on 
which it would, therefore, be obviously 
needless to follow the ordinary modes of 
cultivating the ordinary plants and of 
rearing the ordinary animals : — on which, 
on the contrary, new plants," (and we 
must add) various, and even inferior breeds 
of animals, " extraordinary modes of cul- 
tivating and rearing, are to be tried, with 
the usual risk of failure."* 

A farm and a system like this, confounds 
in its design, the original investigator of 
truth, with the student of truths or laws 
already ascertained. It is a laboratory 



* " Stephen's Farmer's Guide," p. 124. 



204 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



where materials and methods are brought 
into ' relation' with each other, with risks 
of mistake, failure, explosion and confu- 
sion. It is a theatre for the ready made 
philosopher, but not for the uninitiated 
learner. 

We cannot doubt, however, that a cer- 
tain kind of : experimenting' may be highly 
useful, yea, is necessary — that which ex- 
hibits to the pupil's eye various methods 
of planting and cultivating numerous va- 
rieties of vegetable growth ; — various 
methods of breeding, rearing, feeding, fat- 
ting several varieties of each kind of use- 
ful stock; multiplied operations, machines, 
manures and soils ; but with the special 
rule or condition, that the component 
parts of the whole system shall be ap- 
proved and not vicious : and that, with 
each fact submitted to observation before 
the learner, there shall be given such in- 
struction as will enable him to comprehend 
clearly, the reasons or principles. 

It would cost too much of the material 
of ' Agricultural Economy' — of Land, La- 
bour, Live-stock, circulating capital, to in- 
stitute, for the instruction of a class, a se- 
ries of experiments which are, by supposi- 
tion, to result in failures of crop, injury 
to the soil, and the corrupting of breeds. 
We may exhibit for instruction, exam- 
ples of defective design, bad execution, 
and untoward results, when they occur 
spontaneously or accidentally, but it will 
scarcely be wise to create disorders that 
we may heal them, nor subject vegetable 
and animal life to continual torture at the 
probable expense of capital and sound 
knswledge. 

Our plan will likewise exclude the so- 
called 'Model Farm,' in proposing that 
the work shall be executed by regular la- 
bourers, instead of the Pupils. Except 
this difference and certain defects which 
may be expected to arise from ordinary 
causes of failure, want of skill in the su- 
perintending head, or casualties of weath- 
er or pests, the • Farm' here contempla- 
ted will be 'Model;' but its whole design 
is best conveyed in the title, 
1 Farm for Demonstration or Instruc- 
tion.' 
At present, we may be content with 
that measure of actual exercise on the 
"Farm," which corresponds with evolu- 
tion in the practice of a Gymnasium, or 
of a military Academy. 



Fortunately in one aspect, a majority of 
those who follow the instructions of the 
school, will probably be prospective land- 
owners. Their province will be to direct, 
not to execute, and while they can never 
handle a hoe, a plough, or an axe, like a 
man who has used them habitually, yet 
they may learn pretty well, the right mode, 
by having seen them well used. 

There is a class of young men, who, it 
is hoped, would not fail to avail themselves 
of this propitious opportunity to be edu- 
cated for the business of Overseers or 
Farm Stewards. Their independence and 
good sense would be eminently illustrated 
if they would perform labor on the farm, 
and receive such credits for it in allow- 
ance, or in money, as would partly defray 
the expenses of education. 

In further detail of this organization we 
may provide that, having procured a body 
of land of suitable quality, quantity and 
location, the professor of agriculture shall, 
as principal or quasi-proprietor, have con- 
trol of the whole " Farm," subject only to 
the constituting authorities : determining 
the labour to be applied, systems of im- 
provement, methods of operation, select- 
ing machinery, implements, stock, seeds, 
fruits ; regulating processes of breeding, 
cross breeding, rearing, feeding, fattening, 
directing manufactures which are practi- 
cable, in wood, iron, flax, cotton : of but- 
ter, cheese, &c. 

To give fuller efficiency to this co-ordi- 
nate department, it will be necessary to 
have an agent whose function shall be that 
of an " attendant," or " practical assis- 
tant," under the principal, to superintend, 
at all times, the business of the " Farm," 
the work, the stock, &c. ; to prepare, ac- 
cording to a memorandum furnished him 
by the professor, materials and subjects 
for instruction, and to assist in manipula- 
tions before the class. 

Next, dividing the class into sections of 
10 or 12. composed partly of Juniors and 
partly of Seniors, the professor will, upon 
the ground, carry the sections severally 
and successively, through the "Demon- 
strations" and " Exercises" adverted to. 
The days for these duties will be appoint- 
ed by the Principal, having due reference 
to the seasons when particular . processes 
I are going on. 

Classes of two, (one a senior, the other 
I a junior), may be detailed in succession, 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



205 



to inspect, during; a period of two weeks, 
each, the whole management of the 
"Farm;" to keep, according to a pre- 
scribed method, a daily account of re- 
ceipts and expenditures : a daily tabulated 
record of farm operations, facts, and re- 
sults ; of Thermometric, Barometric and 
other phenomena of the Air. Of this re- 
cord, the section may preface, at the end 
of its term, a Resume, reciting in proper 
detail, and with judicious generalization, 
the leading facts. They may spread this, 
(after being reviewed and approved as a 
school exercise by the professor) upon the 
pages of a Book adapted to preserve it as 
a permanent historical record. 

Whatever of enthusiasm or of hope may 
have been warmed into existence by the 
contemplation of these details, we are 
sensibly chilled by the consciousness that 
their consummation is remote. Means 
are wanting, and we are to throw our- 
selves for their supply upon the Legisla- 
ture and upon the voluntary contributions 
of which we have the conspicuous exam- 
ple already referred to. 



PEACHES FROM SEED— EXPERIMENTS 
WITH GUANO ON CORN AND WHEAT. 

The following paper was sent to us more than a 
year ago, but misplaced, and it was feared, lost. 
But the facts it gives are as valuable now as when 
first sent to us, and we accordingly publish them. 
Ed. So.Pl. 

Elizabeth City County, Va. 
Mr. Editor: 

I am a subscriber to, and a general 
reader of your very valuable publication — the 
M Southern Planter," — a work which it affords me 
much pleasure to peruse at my leisure moments; 
indeed I might say that my taste for agricultural 
reading is so strong that I not unfrequently make 
leisure moments to gratify that propensity. I have 
read every number through since I subscribed to 
it, except one, which, from some cause, I never 
received. I have often expected to find something 
from the able and experienced farmers of my na- 
tive county, giving the public the benefit of some 
of their practical experience, instead of so much 
theory, with very little practice ; but having never 
had the pleasure of doing so, I concluded 1 would 
give the results of several experiments with guano 
on wheat and corn, and answer the querist in the 
number for June last, who wishes to know whether 
or not the same kind of peaches can be had by 
planting the seed, to which I will offer the follow- 
ing, with all due deference to those who may dif- 
fer with me on that subject. 

In the first place I would say, that I have seen, 
to my way of thinking, as fine peaches raised from 
the seed as I ever did from grafting or budding, 



and were I to say that the largest fruit of the kind 
I ever saw, was raised from the seed, (and if not 
"as finely flavored as that from grafting, I have not 
epicurean taste sufficient to detect the dilference,) 
I should speak the truth. I have several times 
seen peaches raised in this county from the seed, 
sell in the Norfolk market for seventy-five cents 
per dozen. I know of two gentlemen in this place 
who have been raising peaches from the time I 
could first recollect, and I am very sure they never 
had a grafted tree in their orchards ; if they have, 
it is a very recent thing. A question might here 
be asked, Why very recently, if there is no differ- 
ence, as that would indicate a difference ? Most 
assuredly it does ; but I would offer this as the 
reason, to wit : There have been several nursery 
agents in the county during the past few years, 
who made large sales to its citizens of various 
kinds of fruit trees, and perhaps among them 
peach trees. Neighbor A, seeing friend B, C and 
D trying trees out of northern nurseries, would be 
induced to try them too ; not with an idea of get- 
ting an improvement on the same kind of fruit by 
grafting, but they might, by that means, get a va- 
riety of very good fruit. 

I would here give my idea of the causes of so 
many failures from planting the seed, which is 
this : Many a farmer, who has no orchard on his 
plantation, on seeing fine looking fruit in market, 
is induced to purchase some of a very delicate 
flavor and large specimens, for the purpose of pro- 
curing the seed, without knowing whether or not 
it grew on trees raised from the seed. I give it as 
my opinion, that if the seed planted were from 
trees grafted, that you will more than likely ob- 
tain fruit similar to that raised on the stock or tree 
to which the graft was attached, while 1 speak 
from personal observation, when I say I have 
never known it to fail to produce the same kind 
of fruit when raised from trees not grafted. 

T will also state what I have seen as regards 
apricots. I knew a gentleman to plant some seed, 
from which he raised one tree which produced the 
largest fruit of the kind I ever saw in my life, but 
unfortunately, from some cause it became rotten 
at the heart soon after it commenced bearing, and 
either died or was blown down. 

Wheat. — I will now give the results of an ex- 
periment with guano upon wheat. In the fall of 
1853, I bought 30 bushels of Pennsylvania white 
wheat, designing to sow the same on a field of 
28| acres, but had on hand, after sowing the said 
field, three pecks, which had been increased in 
bulk by soaking it in brine. I had read and heard 
so much about the effects of guano on poor sandy 
soil, that, having some acres quite worthy of those 
adjectives to express its quality, I concluded to 
experiment to some extent with the three pecks, 
I therefore selected, to the best of my judgment, 
as poor, if not the poorest spot in my field, and 
had the stalks (if 1 may so call them"') taken off 
what I judged would make half an acre. I then 
had the wheat sown first, and then one hundred 
and seventy pounds of guano, both sown broad- 
cast, and on the ground just as left by ploughing 
the corn the last time — the two ploughed in to 
gether with a seed plough, and it had nothing 
more done to it. I then measured the ground ac- 
curately, and there was only one-third of an acre, 
on which I had sown two and a quarter bushels of 
wheat, and five hundred and ten pounds of Peru- 



206 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



vian guano to the acre. It might be proper to 
state, that the land was so poor that it would not 
produce what is termed by the farmers in this 
county, poverty gras,s, and I am confident I speak 
within bounds when I say I did not get a bushel 
and a half of nubbins off that piece of land, for 
there was not one ear among it. But the effect of 
the guano was surprising, tor the wheat grew as 
high as a man's chin, taller than many of the 
stalks of corn had grown. I had intended to 
thresh out separately and accurately measure the 
quantity raised, but when I threshed my wheat I 
happened to be absent at the time that that was 
hauled to the yard, and consequently it was all 
mixed together; but knowing the number of shocks 
I had in all, and the number of that one-third of 
an acre, I made an average of them, which was 
against the experiment, as the shocks upon that 
were rather larger than an average of the whole 
number, but by that calculation, I raised on the 
same 6§ bushels of good wheat. 

Corn. — My next experiment was on corn. I 
had some seven or eight acres of very poor land, 
which I wished to cultivate in corn, more to 
destroy the seed of a very unsightly weed, which 
had taken possession of it, and hearing guano so 
highly recommended for its beneficial effects upon 
corn, I concluded to give it a trial ; but the diffi- 
culty which presented itself was to know in what 
manner to apply it, so as to reap the greatest re- 
ward from it. I could hear one farmer say, "sow 
it down the furrow as you plant the corn;" another, 
to "sow it broad-cast when ploughing the corn the 
last time;" (that mode I knew would not do for 
as poor land as I was using it upon,) and another 
would say, "drop it between the hills." Not 
knowing which was the best way, I concluded to 
give it a trial in several ways. [ applied a con- 
siderable quantity around the corn when nearly 
knee high by putting about | oz. to each, just a 
head of the plough, but this did not more than pay 
expenses, if that, owing, I think to the exceed- 
ingly dry summer we had. The next was applied 
after siding the corn, by sowing it down each 
furrow, and throwing the earth immediately upon 
it, aiming to put the same quantity down the two 
furrows, that I should have put if planting the 
corn with it in the same furrow. Then I planted 
a few hills, and put to each one about | of an oz., 
(or ISO lbs. to an acre of corn 3 by 4 feet,) and 
in order to ascertain whether it prevented tfe4 
corn from vegetating, I threw some dirt on so^ne 
of the hills, and planted the others on the guano, 
those I covered came up very well, while that 
planted on the guano was badly missing. 1 also 
planted some of the same kind of land without 
any guano. This, I am certain, did not make 3 
bushels of shelled corn to the acre, but think 
that quantity in the ears nearer the mark ; that 
manured in the hill brought very little, that which 
was covered with the dirt first, or before planting 
the corn, never produced a nubbin, while that 
which had the guano drilled down the furrow with 
the corn produced a fair crop, but not as good as 
that applied in the two furrows when siding the 
corn, by 10 per cent., though the land used in that 
way, or the one furrow application, had the advan- 
tage over the two furrow application in being 
very highly manured the fall preceding, and sown 
down iu turnips, which came up badly. 1 mention 
this fact, that it may not be supposed that the 



turnips took up all the benefit to be derived from 
the application of the manure, which was fresh 
stable manure that had never been exposed to the 
action of the weather; a sufficient quantity, I 
think, was put upon the land to produce six bar- 
rels of corn, with ordinary seasons, to the acre. 

That portion of the experiment with the guano 
applied in the two furrows will gather from three 
and a half to four barrels of good corn to the acre, 
and if it had stood well I think it would make from 
four to five barrels; but it is very badly missing, 
owing to' its having been planted so fate that I 
never had it replanted, (planted after the 16th of 
June, and in land so poor that I considered it use- 
less to replant.) I would here state that it was 
dropped by two hands, the one dropping it about 
two feet or two and a half, and the other about 
three and a half feet ; but there was no difference 
in the thickly planted rows more than a good ear 
for every extra hill over the thin row. I would 
further state that the fodder alone on the two 
furrow application is worth more than everything 
produced on the same quantity of land with no 
guano. All these experiments were on corn 
planted between the 16th and 23rd of June, except 
that which had the guano round the hills. The 
crop of corn now upon the land is said by the 
farmers in the neighborhood, to be the second 
best crop ever raised upon it since it was cleared 
up. Wm. Ivy. 

P. S. — Since writing the within, I made known 
to a friend the idea I entertained in regard to the 
raising of peaches from the seed, and he told me 
he had talked to a professional gentleman on the 
same subject, who said £ was mistaken in saying 
that if the seed from a grafted tree was planted 
you would more likely obtain fruit similar to that 
on which the graft had been put, but the con- 
trary, that is the fruit raised would be like that from 
which the graft was taken. I am of the same 
opinion still, but open to conviction. If peaches 
raised from the seed of a grafted tree will produce 
the same kind of fruit, why graft any, as it would 
be cheaper to plant the seed? Now peaches are 
different Irom any other kind of fruit I konw of, 
except the apricot I spoke of. I have never seen 
the experiment tried with any other kind of fruit, 
and believe any others would degenerate by raising 
from the seed. Wm. Ivy. 



Cooking Salsify. — Through the winter and 
spring, Salsify is a favorite dish on our table. 
We usually prepare it by boiling in milk until 
the slices are tender, adding pepper and salt, 
and a good slice of butter. When ready to 
serve, stir in two or three well beaten eggs, 
taking care not to let it boil afterwards. This 
is very nice poured over slices of toast. 

Another way I have learned by a few trials 
which husband pronounces decidedly good. 
Boil until tender a point or more of Salsify, 
mash fine, then add pepper, salt, butter, a few 
spoonfuls of milk or cream, a little flour, and 
two beaten eggs. Make into small cakes, and 
dip in flour or egg batter, and fry of a lkht 
brown. Perhaps some of your country friends, 
who, like us, live far from market, will pro- 
nounce this a good substitute for fried oysters. — 
Am. Agriculturist, 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



20/ 



THE PATENT OFFICE REPORT. 

A month or more ago we felt it our duty to 
take some notice of the Patent Office, Report. 
We are now very glad to present a more ex- 
tended criticism of some of the pretensions of 
Mr. D. J. Browne, who is at the head of the 
Agricultural Branch of the office, by Mr. How- 
ard of the Boston Cultivator. That alone is 
enough to prove the utter unfitness of the in- 
cumbent for the post. We are the more pleased 
to see Mr. Howard come out as he has done, 
because of the commendation that in some 
quarters has been bestowed on the Patent Of- 
fice Report. How strange is it that Farmers 
and Editors should unite in recommending 
such trash, and keeping up an abuse which 
ought long ago to have been corrected. 

After having noticed the agricultural 
part of the Patent Office Report for 1855, 
sometime since, we laid it aside with the 
intention of speaking particularly in refer- 
ence to some portions of it, at a more con- 
venient season. 

The Report, proper, opens with a chap- 
ter under the following head : " Domestic 
Animals. Influence of the change of 
Soil or Climate on Animals, and of the 
variation of their Food. By D. J. Browne." 

In reference to the changes produced by 
food and climate, the writer quotes from 
an article under his own name in the Pa- 
tent Office Report for 1854, as follows : 

" If the London-Dray horse be conveyed 
to Arabia and subjected to the same influ- 
ences as the native horses of that country 
are exposed, in a few generations he will 
present the leading characteristics of the 
Arabian horse. The head will gradually 
diminish in size, the limbs will become 
fine and clear [clean], the massive pro- 
portions of the whole body will disappear, 
and not only will the external form of the 
native be acquired, but, aside from this, 
something also of the chivalrous disposi- 
tion or spirit." 

We noticed this remarkable passage in 
a brief review of the Report for 1854, and 
inquired w r hether so wonderful a meta- 
morphosis had ever actually occurred, or 
whether it was to be received wholly as a 
hypothesis of Mr. Browne. We have 
seen no evidence on this point, although 
the assertion is regarded as of so much 
importance as to have a p'ace in two offi- 
cial Reports ! 



But other ideas in the Report of '54 are 
re-issued in that of '55. In the former, it 
was said that sheep when transferred from 
Vermont, or other favorable sections, to 
the West India, lose their line delicate 
fleeces, and " after a few years are entirely 
covered with rough coarse hair, resembling 
that of the goaty This idea is somewhat 
enlarged on in the Report for : 55 as fol- 
lows : 

" If sheep are carried from either of the 
temperate zones to the burning plains of 
the tropics, after a few years material 
changes take place in their covering. The 
wool of the lambs, at first, grows similar 
to that in the temperate climates, but rath- 
er more slowly. When in a fit state for 
shearing, there is nothing remarkable 
about its quality, and, when shorn, it grows 
out again as with us ; but, if the proper 
time for shearing be allowed to pass by, 
the wool becomes somewhat thicker, falls 
off in patches, and leaves underneath, a 
short, close, shining hair, exactly like that 
of the goat in the same climate, and 
wherever this hair once appears there is 
never any return of wool." 

These statements doubtless appear 
strange in themselves ; but what can be 
said in regard to their consistency, when 
it is recollected that they were first used 
(Report for 1854) to show that varieties 
of domestic animals, " are not the results 
of any transmuting, influence of time, vari- 
ation, or increase of food, or change of cli- 
mate, .... but were produced at the begin- 
ning by a creative power?" 

Any attempt to reconcile these antago- 
nistic positions, or to show that either of 
them is founded in truth, would of course 
be useless, and we pass on. In the Patent 
Office Report for 1851, there is an elabo- 
rate article under the following head : 
11 Sheep Breeding. By P. A. Browne, LL. 
D." The prominent idea of this article 
is, that there are two (and but two) spe- 
cies of sheep — " the hairy sheep and the 
woolly sheep" — and that these were ori- 
ginally created distinct. Now, we say 
nothing about "diamond cutting diamond," 
but is it not at least amusing, to see how 
readily and completely Mr. D. J. Browne 
transmutes Dr. P. A. Browne's supposed 
original and unchangeable woolly sheep 
into a hairy sheep ? 

The article to which we have above re- 
ferred, in the Patent Office Report fo 



5>208 



THE SOtJTHERN PLANTER. 



1855, treats of some points in the physi- 
ology of animals, and follows the idea 
which some writers have entertained, that 
small lungs are most favorable to the ac- 
cumulation of fat in animals. It is as- 
sumed that animals fatten more rapidly at 
the end of the feeding season — or in other 
words, that the fatter they get the faster 
they gain — and the reason given is, "that 
the fat, accumulating in the abdomen, 
presses upon the. diaphragm and abdomi- 
nal muscles, thus preventing the more 
complete action of the lungs," &c. This 
proposition and the argument connected 
with it, reminds one of Franklin's fish 
and tub of water. The Doctor, it is said, 
propounded to certain savans the question, 
how it was that a fish of given size could 
be put in a tub full of water, without mak- 
ing the water run over ? After permitting 
them to puzzle their brains with conjec- 
tures in explanation of the phenomenon, 
the facetious philosopher told them there 
was no fact in the question. So in the 
other case, the assumption in regard to 
the advantage of small lungs, does not 
rest on fact. Nothing that amounts to 
proof is adduced in its favor, and all prac- 
tical experience is against it. As to the 
"prevailing opinion among butchers, that 
the fattest cattle have small lungs, 1 ' it 
does not affect the question, because it is 
known that the lungs become small by the 
accumulation and pressure of fat attached 
to the kidneys and abdominal viscera. 
When the carcass becomes loaded and 
filled with fat, the amount of food the ani- 
mal is able to eat and digest is lessened, 
and the gain in weight is the same rajio 
diminished, instead of being increased. 
Every close-observing feeder knows this, 
if the butcher does not. 

But here is a paradox : 

" It is supposed by some that all ani- 
mals with large, broad, round chests, fat- 
ten best, and that they have small lungs ; 
but this is found not to be the case, for 
horses have narrow chests and large lungs. 
South Down sheep have narrower chests 
than the Leicester breed, yet they have 
the largest lungs ; but the Leicesters are 
known to fatten sooner." 

If it is true that animals with small 
lungs fatten best, and that broad-chested 
animals have the smallest lungs, what has 
the narrowness of chest and the large size 
of lungs in the horse to do with the point? 



We have understood Mr. Browne all along 
to be contending for small lungs for fat- 
tening, and he says in the above sentence 
that the broad-chested Leicester sheep has 
comparatively small lungs ; why, then, is 
this "found not to be the case," even 
though horses have such chests and lungs 
as is stated ? As to the Leicester and 
South Down sheep — we know that the 
former matures sooner than the latter, and 
of course fattens earlier. But does this 
result follow from the smallness of the 
lungs ? Some South Downs are bred 
nearly on the Leicester model — they have 
as broad chests as any other sheep in pro- 
portion to their size. There is no reason 
to believe that those of this conformation 
have smaller lungs than narrow-chested 
sheep. We speak according to our own 
personal knowledge, when we say they 
have not. All correct observation sup- 
ports the position of Cline, that — " The 
external indications of the size of the 
lungs are the form and size of the chest ;" 
that " An animal with large lungs, is ca- 
pable of converting a given quantity of 
food into more nourishment than one with 
smaller lungs, and, therefore, has a greater 
aptitude to fatten." 

The chapter we have at present under 
consideration, contains various cuts and 
descriptions of the stomachs of cattle. 
These are the same which have often been 
given in English works as well as those 
published in this country, and are, of 
course, very good, though, they can furn- 
ish nothing new to the intelligent portion 
of American farmers. 

The next chapter is headed " Horned 
Cattle. The Points by which live Cattle 
may be judged." It is signed " D. J. B.." 
by which the idea is probably intended to 
be conveyed that Mr. D. J. Browne is the 
author. It is, however, almost wholly 
made up from two essays, viz., one <: On 
the External Conformation of ( 'attle, 
Sheep, &c." by Mr. Sparrow, which may 
be found in the London Farmer's .Maga- 
zine, for August 1839, credited to The Ve- 
terinarian: and the other "On Fat and 
Muscle," by W. F. Karkeek, published in 
the Journal of Royal Agricultural Society, 
1845. 

The ingenuity displayed in the plagiar- 
ism, by transposing and dovetailing the 
language of these authors, might be shown 
by quotations, but the space allowed to 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



200 



this article prevents. Should it be neces- 
sary, we will furnish them hereafter. " D. 
J B." makes no reference whatever to 
the works he has thus purloined. Perhaps 
he regards the theft as only a lawful mode 
of Americanizing foreign literary produc- 
tions — a business in which we believe he 
has had some previous practice. 

We have no space for comment on the 
absurdity of some of the doctrines of this 
Report, or the dishonesty of obtaining 
portions of the matter, as above noticed. 
Neither can we at present proceed further 
in our review, although we had marked 
various other passages. In reference to 
previous Reports from this Department, 
we have been constrained to ask — How 
long will the American people consent to 
the national disgrace inflicted on them by 
the issuing of "public documents" of this 
character ? We reiterate the question and 
pause for a reply. — Rural American. 



ON SOIL ANALYSES. 

The expression of strong opinions in 
favor of the practical utility of soil analy- 
ses, by some of those whom we should 
regard as among our best informed farm- 
ers, at the late annual meeting of the 
Connecticut State Agricultural Society, 
leads us to reproach ourselves for not hav- 
ing earlier laid before our readers some 
important facts on this subject ; which we 
will now essay if our readers will first fol- 
low us through a few introductory obser- 
vations. 

When the Science of Chemistry first 
became worthy of the name, then Scien- 
tific Agriculture had its incipient exis- 
tence ; hypothesis and theories based upon 
the much cruder experiments than we 
now have, in part only true, served a good 
purpose in developing the science-in-em- 
bryo. 

The soil was found to contain the con- 
stituents of the ashes of the plant, and 
the ashes of the plants used as food for 
man or beast, to contain in like manner 
all the inorganic constituents, or ashes, of 
the animal body. It was moreover made 
certain that in soils deprived of any one 
substance found in the ash of a plant, 
that plant would refuse to develope itself. 
Upon this fact there hangs the supposed 
reason why soil analysis should be benefi-' 
cial to the practical farmer. "For," ar- 
14 



gues he, " the chemist has proved that 
this, that, and the other substance, a do- 
zen of them altogether, are absolutely ne- 
cessary for the life and healthful develop- 
ment of the crops I wish to grow ; he can 
tell me what my soil contains and wheth- 
er or no all that is necessary is present." 
This seems clear reasoning, and so it is. 
And it answered its end ; soils were ana- 
lyzed and were found to be wanting in 
some of those very things that were most 
in requisition for the plant ; these substan- 
ces were found, and known by experiment 
to be the very ones among inorganic sub- 
stances most valuable in manures. Phos- 
phoric acid was found to be present in 
most soils in small quantities, and in poor 
or worn-out soils it was wholly undiscern- 
able perhaps, and bones applied to these 
soils to restore the phosphoric acid, proved 
of great advantage. Here was proof pos- 
itive of the value of soil analysis to the 
minds of all. 

Science has made advances, and if now 
we assert that soil analyses are of ?io prac- 
tical value to the farmer except in isolated 
cases, (not, however, meaning to imply 
that chemical examinations of the soil for 
specific ends may not be useful,) we but 
give the opinion of every agricultural 
chemist here or in Europe, whose opinion 
is worth consideration. Soil analyses may 
indeed be undertaken in the course of 
scientific investigations, in fact the minute 
study of soils involves their careful analy- 
sis ; but this does not effect the practical 
view we take. 

Consider a few facts. The surface of 
an acre of arable land within easy reach 
of the roots of crops and penetrated by 
them and turned by the plow is the soil ; 
it varies in depth from five inches to a 
foot, and the cubic foot of different soils 
varies in weight from 65 to 100 pounds. — 
The weight of good common soil is usual- 
ly 80 to 90 pounds to the cubic foot. The 
least gives the weight of an acre of arable 
land to the depth of one foot, 3,484,800 
pounds ; or to the depth of six inches, 
1.742,400 pounds. As there are but few 
soils that one would be likely to have an- 
atyzed that are not tilled to a depth of 
seven or eight inclfes, we may fairly take 
the more convenient number 2,000,000 
pounds as the weight of the arable soil of an 
acre. Now, twenty-five bushels of wheat 
remove about 45 pounds of the constitu- 



210 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



ent's of the soil in the ash ; of these 45 
pounds, about 48 per cent, is phosphoric 
acid, this would be 21-6 lbs. ; what pro- 
portion does this bear to the entire weight 
of the soil? Less than the one ninety 
thousandth; or exactly (0,00108.) Can 
chemical analyses detect this difference ? 
No indeed; w T e are all well satisfied, if 
our results on two analyses of the same 
ash agree to the second place of decimals, 
in the estimation of those constituents of 
ashes which are easiest to determine, but 
with phosphoric acid if the disagreement 
is less than one tenth per cent. (0. 1,) it 
is all we can expect. 

What does this prove ? To our view it 
proves that the same piece of land can be 
cropped ten to fifty years with wheat, and 
so far as phosphoric acid is concerned, 
chemical analysis cannot tell the differ- 
ence. 

Take another view. A ton (2,000 lbs,) 
is the 10th of one per cent, of the weight 
of the soil of an acre, that is, the 1000th 
part of 2,000,000 pounds. One pound is 
7,000 grains ; one ton to the acre is the 
1000th of a pound to the pound, or 7 grs. 
In adding the quarter part of a ton (500 
pounds) of guano to the acre we add less 
than 1 grain of guano to the pound, and 
this grain is less than one fifth ammonia, 
and about one seventh phosphoric acid. — 
A soil is unfruitful without the guano. — 
analyze it. Let now 500 pounds of guano 
be added ; the soil is teeming with fer- 
tility. — analyze it again. Will the analy- 
sis show any difference? Probably it will, 
no two analyses are exactly alike ; but, 
will the 5th of a grain of ammonia in the 
pound taken for analysis be discovered ? 
or the 7th of a grain of phosphoric acid ? 
We answer ; No — the quantity is too small 
to be accurately determined. 

When we now take into consideration 
the expense attending an analysis, which 
would be at least $50 if it is good for 
for anything, and the fact that $50 may 
be spent in a much more effective way 
upon the land, and the profit sure to fol- 
low, the conclusion seems unavoidable, 
that soil analysis, as a practical guide, is 
not advisable in any case. If a question 
arises which the chemist can answer, let 
him be consulted. For instance, does the 
farmer inquire if his subsoil contains pro- 
toxide salts of iron, which would be inju- 



rious if brought to the surface by deep 
plowing? This question the chemist can 
answer for $5 probably, and it may be 
worth much more than that practically : 
in fact, we have known a damage of at 
least $30 or $40 per acre from lack of 
this information. 

Some years ago the Royal Prussian Ag- 
ricultural Society tried the experiment 
thoroughly. They took various soils to 
experiment upon and took samples of 
them for analysis ; they then cropped 
the fields severely, if our memory serves 
us, several years, and then took other 
samples for analysis. In many cases, per- 
haps in all, duplicate samples were taken 
and sent to different chemists. These 
samples, together with samples of the 
carefully weighed crops, were submitted 
to the most distinguished chemists of Ger- 
many, than whom there are none more 
accurate. The results obtained were just 
what from the above considerations we 
should expect. The variations in the 
analysis of the same samples weje shown 
to be such the thevariation caused by the 
cropping could not be shown. In one 
case even, there was given in the analysis 
of the soil after cropping more of certain 
ingredients of the ash than was attributed 
to it before the crops were removed. 

A word in regard to the value of chemical 
investigations to the farmer. The science 
of Chemistry has made Agriculture what 
it is, and every day sees some advance- 
ment — the more thoroughly its relations 
are investigated the better will be our 
practice. We need the thorough, wide- 
extended, deep research of the chemist 
with the experience of the practical farm- 
er. The reasons for practice must be 
studied, in order to improve our practice. 
The action of manures is little understood 
in many respects : even now the best 
practice may be improved upon as knowl- 
edge increases. 

To the State Agricultural Society the 
services of a chemist are now especially, 
practically useful in checking frauds in 
manures, '(which flood our market and of- 
fer tempting opportunities for fraudulent 
dealing,) and in developing our internal re- 
sources of fertility. The muck beds and 
marl beds that lie unwrought should have 
tl*e true value shown, and the ways to 
make it available pointed out — and so 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



211 



with many other things, the wastes of our 
factories, etc., etc. By giving to the 
farmers of this State the results of the 
analyses of commercial fertilizers alone, 
the Society will do a service to the State, 
and, indeed, to more than our own State, 
that will be worth the salary of the chem- 
ist, ten times, aye, fifty times told. — 
Homestead. 



A COLLEGE FOR FARMERS. 

It is a disgrace to an intelligent commu- 
nity, to educate in every business but 
farming. It used to be held necessary to 
serve a seven year's apprenticeship to 
every "art and mystery ;" that the learn- 
er should be held by indenture ; but far- 
mers were never indentured ; they were 
supposed to pick up at random all that was 
necessary. To learn to make a plow, a 
boy studied under indenture, seven years, 
to learn plowing, he was thought to need 
no time at all. The cobbler was a seven 
years' graduate ; but the farmer, who had 
to do with the soil and substance of things, 
was not a graduate in anything. Now, 
when botany, and chemistry, and clima- 
tology, &c, all enter into successful farm- 
ing, should not a farmer be an educated 
man, a graduated farmer? Most of our 
professional men favor the idea; who, 
then, hinders the movement? To tell the 
truth, the farmers themselves — the very 
men whose occupation and interests are at 
stake — they are chiefly the men who are 
indifferent, and opposed. Now, farmers, 
is it not so ? Look into our Legislature. — 
Who are the advocates of this bill for a 
Farmers' College? They are lawyers, 
merchants, doctors, &c. But who are the 
majority of the Legislature ? . They are 
farmers. — Ohio Farmer. 



PEACH BUDS KILLED. 
We regret to hear that the fruit buds of 
the peach were entirely destroyed by the 
severity of the past winter. In many 
cases, as we understand, the young peach 
trees were also killed. Apricots have 
doubtless shared the same fate, but as they 
are cultivated to a small extent only, the 
loss will be scarcely felt. These things 
occasionally happen, and nothing shows 
more conclusively the intensity of the 
cold. By the. way, we perceive that there 
is considerable diversity of opinion in re- 



gard to the degree of cold indicated by 
th thermometer on the 23d of January. 
In the suburbs of the city, an instrument 
which has been in use for many years, and 
regarded as very accurate, stood at 20° 
below zero. Another on Bollingbrook st., 
a much lower locality, was two degrees 
lower. On the other hand, it is stated 
that the thermometers several miles out of 
the city were not more than from 10 to 12 
degrees below. This is too great a differ- 
ence to be ascribed to the variation of in- 
struments. Something is doubtless due 
to the localities, and much more to the po- 
sition of the instruments. But from the 
best evidence we can obtain, together with 
our own observation, the degree of cold 
was not less than 20 deg. below zero. — 
Southern Farmer. 



A GREAT CHEESE FACTORY. 
The Louisville Courier tells of a gigan- 
tic cheese dairy in operation in Trumbull 
county, Ohio. The proprietor does not 
keep all the cows from which his cheese 
is made, but contracts with all the farmers 
within eight or ten miles to furnish the 
curd from their cows at prices which net 
them a larger amount than if they manu- 
factured it into cheese themselves. He 
usually pays about 4^ cents a pound for 
it. He keeps six or eight teams employ- 
ed in collecting the curd from the neigh- 
boring farmers — some two hundred in 
number. Two rooms are occupied for cu- 
ring the cheese, capable of holding 250 
tons of cheese. In these rooms the ser- 
vices of three men are constantly requir- 
ed. When ready for sale the cheese is 
principally put up in tin boxes for the Cal- 
ifornian and Australian markets. About 
200 tons of cheese have been manufac- 
tured the past season. 

From the American Agriculturist. 

A SUBSTITUTE FOR HONEY. 

Winter Cherry — Physalis Peruviana. 

Mr. Editor — As there appears to be a desire 
with many to introduce new plants as substi- 
tutes for those long known and cultivated, al- 
low me, through your useful paper, to recom- 
mend a substitute for honey. Most people 
consider honey a great luxury, and if we are 
to credit history this has long been so, for in 
the early ages, when they wished to give the 
highest recommendation to a country, they said 
" it flowed with milk and honey " As we often 
use a substitute for milk, why not have one for 



212 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



honey? Since the genuine article has become 
so scarce, I will recommend an article, which 
by taste, very few would be able to distinguish. 

The fruit of the Physalis Peruviana, or Win- 
ter Cherry, when preserved with an equal 
quantity of white sugar, will be found equal 
to the finest honey for eating with biscuit and 
butter, and not readily distinguished by taste. 

This plant, which is an annual of easiest 
culture, grows about two or three feet high, 
branching pubescent, leaves entire, fruit auxil- 
iary, about the size of a Catawba grape, en- 
closed in an inflated calyx or bladder, from 
which it takes its generic name. It ripens in 
September, and falls to the ground when ripe, 
when it may be gathered, weighed, put into a 
vessel with a little water and sugar, and boiled 
until the fruit becomes soft. The remaining 
part of the sugar is then to be added, and the 
boiling continued until of the desired consis- 
tency, when it may be put in jars for use. 

When once introduced into a garden, there 
is no fear of losing it, as it will, like the toma- 
to, grow readily from seed dropped in the fall; 
but those who would have the greatest quantity 
of fruit from a few plants, would do well to 
start them in a hot bed. 

N. GOODSELL. 

New Haven, Jan. 2, 1857. 



TO MAKE HARD CANDLES OF SOFT 
TALLOW. 

I noticed a request a short time since in the 
Country Gentleman, for a receipt to make a soft 
tallow hard. I send you one I know by expe- 
rience to be good. To twelve pounds of tallow 
take a half a gallon of water, to which add 3 
tablespoons of pulverised alum, and two ditto 
salt petre, which heat and dissolve ; then add 
your tallow and one pound of beeswax; boil 
hard all together, until the water evaporates, 
and skim well while boiling. It should not be 
put in your moulds hotter than you can bear 
your hand in. The candles look much nicer when 
the wicks are not tied at the bottom. It is not 
only a disagreeable task to cut the wick off, but 
it injures the moulds. Never heat your moulds 
to draw your candles in cold weather. 

Perhaps it is not generally known that tallow 
from beeves fed on corn or grain, is much soft- 
er than when fed on grass or clover. There- 
fore the tallow from grass fed cattle should al- 
ways be selected for summer use, and the can- 
dles will always be hard with the addition of 
very little alum and beeswax. In very cold 
weather much less alum must be used, or they 
will crack so as to fall to pieces sometimes; 
and a third more of each should Jje used in 
very warm weather if the tallow is very soft. 
With a little management you can always have 
hard tallow for summer use where you make 
all your>own candles. F. 

Putnam C. II., Va. 

[Country Gentleman. 



SANITARY IMPROVEMENT— SEWAGE 
OF LARGE CITIES. 

The methods in general use for disposing of 
this matter are objectionable in several respects, 
as they are injurious to health and comfort, as 
they pollute our rivers, and as large quantities 
of fertilizing matter are thereby wasted. To 
obviate more or less of these objections to the 
methods in common use, is a problem which 
has occupied the ingenuity of many minds, and 
which has led to the proposal of several me- 
thods. • 

At length one of the various plans proposed 
has been adopted and put into operation in the 
city^ of Leicester, England — a town of 65,000 
inhabitants, and full of manufactories. The 
works for purifying and utilizing the sewage of 
this city, have been in operation since May, 
1855. Since that period the works have been 
in constant operation day and night, and in the 
course of 19 months have separated about 6,000 
tons of solid matter from 7,500,000 tons of se- 
wage water, discharging only pure water into 
the adjoining river, which would otherwise 
have been contaminated by so many tons of 
impurity. The sewage is conveyed to a spot 
less than a mile distant from the town of L., 
and there as rapidly as it arrives, and scarcely 
allowing time for incipient putrefaction, it is 
intimately mixed with a body of lime and wa- 
ter, which produces an instantaneous and per- 
fect deodorization. It is then filtered, and 
both, the fluid passing off, and the solid matter 
retained, are perfectly scentless. The filter 
system admits of no communication whatever 
with the atmosphere, at any stage of the ope- 
ration, until the deposit is withdrawn from it 
in the form of flat, firm slabs, forty inches 
square and three inches thick. Several thou- 
sand tons of this half dry deposit heaped up in 
the yard of the Leicester works at one time, 
emitted no smell whatever. They are said to 
be as unobjectionable as unburn t bricks. 

The fact that a plan of this kind has been 
found to work satisfactorily, is one of much 
importance, not so much on account of fertiliz- 
ing matter which may thus be saved from utter 
loss and waste, as on account of the improve- 
ment which may be thereby effected in the 
health and comfort of the inhabitants of cities, 
in which that or some similar plan may be 
adopted. This consideration — that the health 
and lives of the population of cities are -depen- 
dent in a great degree on the mode iu which 
the sewage is disposed of — is of a higher order 
than thefinarreial one. Still the saving of the 
nitrogenous matter of a large city is of no small 
importance, as at present prices of guano, thero 
is a waste of such matter alone, saying nothing 
of phosphatic and saline materials, equal to 
about, or a little over one dollar a year for each 
inhabitant. 

That the plan of rapidly removing, deodoriz- 
ing and purifying the sewage of Leicester has 
been accompanied with a decrease of disease 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



213 



and death, is a fact which is established by the 
tables of mortality — the decrease in the num- 
ber of deaths amounting to 275 yearly in a 
population of 65,000. 

To aid in bringing about a similar result in 



so much interest, in your fields, and your fine 
laboratory at Rothamsted, agree with the facts 
well observed in France by our agriculturists. 
They also agree with my researches upon the 
structure, the chemical composition, and the 



any of our large cities, seems to be an object development of vegetables; results and re- 
worthy of any man's ambition ; and to have searches which we can understand better when 



accomplished such a result must be to any city, 
government or population, a just source of 
pride and gratifying reflections. — Country Gen- 
tleman. 



LETTER ADDRESSED TO MR. LAWES OF 
ROTHAMSTED, BY M. PAYEN,* UPON 
THE QUESTION OF MANURES. 

Translated from Le Bulletin des Seances de la 
Societe imperiale et contrale d' agriculture, Mai 
1856, by Dr. A. L. Elwyn, and read at the 
February meeting of the Philadelphia Society 
for Promoting Agriculture. 

Sir: — I have read with much interest, the 
answer which you, in connection with Dr. Gil- 
bert have made to the theories and principles of 
the agricultural chemistry of M. Liebig, as also 
to the objections of that illustrious savant to 
your own experiments. This discussion, based 
upon citations and positive facts, appears to me 
to settle clearly the question of manures. 

The results of your beautiful and persever- 
ing experimental culture, elucidated by numer- 
ous analyses, demonstrate the important func- 
tion of the azotized substances, and of the 
mineral matter of the soil ; a function which 
is never exclusive, but which becomes predomi- 
nant sometimes for one'!, sometimes for others, 
according to the plants which successively oc- 
cupy the earth, in a rotation of crops. 

You have yourself determined relative to 
your soil, the predominent usefulness of the 
phosphates for turnips, of the salts of potash 
for leguminous plants, and of azotized sub- 
stances for the production of wheat. These 
results, the elements of which I have seen with 



* Few men in Europe enjoy a higher reputation in 
the department of applied chemistry, than the illustri- 
ous author of this letter. The friend and colleague of 
Boussingault, he has been commissioned by his gov- 
ernment with important examinations in vegetable and 
agricultural chemistry both at home and abroad. His 
opinion on the much-mooted question of the value of 
the fixed mineral constituents of manures, is, there- 
fore, worthy of the fullest confidence. This question, 
in its various bearings, may be regarded as the most 
interesting and important one which has engaged the 
attention of Agricultural Chemists since the time of 
Davy. Until the precise relation of the plants, that 
constitute the bulk of our crops, to the soil and to the 
atmosphere be established, all processes for the amelio- 
ration of the soil must be empirical and constantly 
changing, and the gains of the farmer uncertain, and 
frequently unremunerative. — [Ed.] 



we observe the immense number of radicles 
which develop and multiply in the soil, assimi- 
lating, the further they penetrate, not only dis- 
solved mineral matters, of which we find the 
combinations often transformed in plants, but 
also considerable quantities of azotized sub- 
stances which they add to the ascending sap, 
and deposit upon the walls of the sap-vessels. 
They thus concurrently with ammoniacal gas 
and the azote which the leaves have the power 
directly or indirectly to draw from the atmos- 
phere, nourish the tissues in process of forma- 
tion, and the young shoots always rich in 
azotized substances. 

In the presence of these well-authenticated 
facts of experimental culture, of organography 
and vegetable physiology, we cannot overlook 
the absolute necessity of the pre-existence and 
the continuance of a large quantity of azotized 
substances in the soil, in order that it may pos- 
sess and retain its fertility, always admitting 
the indispensable utility of the mineral mate- 
rials appropriate to the wants and different 
aptitudes of vegetables. We could not, there- 
fore, regard other Aviso, than as you have done, 
the folloAving too exclusive assertion of M. Lie- 
big, which you quote : 

" If tfyese elements (mineral matter) are to 
be found in sufficient quantities and proper 
proportions, the soil offers the conditions Avhich 
render plants capable of absorbing carbonic 
acid and the ammoniacal gas of the air, which 
is to them an inexhaustible reservoir." 

We might have admitted a priori, a similar 
theory, at the period when physiologists, not 
valuing the azotized substances, draAvn by vege- 
tables from the soil, saw in the ascending sap 
only water, salts, and carbonic acid, and then 
as the liquid ascended higher in the tissues, 
gum and sugar. 

As you observe, it is evident from simple 
facts that the efficacy of guano in the produc- 
tion of wheat, is measured by the proportion 
of azote, and not of phosphates, because the 
azotized matter is found in large quantities, 
and the phosphates in relatively small propor- 
tions ; this substance, therefore, brings double 
the price of other commercial manures, rich in 
phosphates but deficient in azote. Finally, 
long practice has proved that guano of the 
highest price, containing the most azote, pro- 
duces more grain than guano of a lower price, 
relatively richer in phosphates.. 

M. Liebig has said in his fourth edition of 
Organic Chemistry, and its application to agri- 
culture, that "Ashes can be substituted for 
animal manures, and if a proper choice is made, 
| they Avill give to the fields all the constituent 



214 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



principles which have been carried off by the 
harvest of cultivated plants." And in the 
same work — " It is very important in agricul- 
ture, to know, with certainty, that a supply of 
ammonia is superfluous, if the soil contains a 
sufficient provision of mineral nutriment." 

Upon these views were founded the manu- 
facture of purely mineral manures, directed by 
Mr. Muspratt, whose products have had in 
general no great success. The preparation, 
however, of manures, from blood and pulve- 
rized bones succeeded in France, as in England, 
and has lately won silver medals for MM. Der- 
rien of Nantes, and Jonas Webb, (England) 
who had sent their products to the Universal 
Exhibition of 1856. 

No agriculturist believes, now-a-days, that 
manure can be replaced by ashes which are 
the result of its combustion, nor by any other 
mineral substance deprived of nitrogen. The 
results of small experimental cultivation under- 
taken and followed up for several years with 
so much care, in soils containing the ashes of 
vegetables, but exempt from nitrogenous sub- 
stances show, that plants, cultivated in such 
conditions, even though in the open air, take ( 
very little nitrogen from the atmosphere, and 
furnish a much smaller crop, compared with 
plants developed under the influence of azotized 
manures. 

On the other hand, the traditional practice 
of our market-gardeners, demonstrates that they 
can increase five or even ten times the product 
of the cultivation of the soil, if they will but 
furnish to plants those manures which abound 
in nitrogenous substances easily decomposable; 
remembering always, to renew these manures 
whenever their ammoniacal exhalations become 
too small in amount. Skilful gardeners are 
very far from wishing to confine themselves to 
the gas which the atmosphere furnished to 
them gratuitously ; they know, by experience, 
that no combination of mineral materials, or of 
ashes, would furnish them with like results. 
Furthermore, the rare discrepancies on these 
various points will soon be merely apparent, 
and doubtless, chiefly on account of your ele- 
gant processes and conscientious labors, will 
speedily cease entirely. 

Already one sees with the utmost satisfaction, 
a spirit as eminent as M. Liebig, giving his 
evidence to facts, which you have already 
brought to light. Such is seen to be the case 
from many quotations from his own maxims ; 
and especially from the following passages 
which you have quoted : 

" While the ground is lying fallow, the car- 
bonic acid and the ammonia are introduced 
into the soil by the rain and the air. The am- 
monia remains in the soil, whenever it finds 
there, in sufficient amount, substances capable 
by combining with it, of depriving it of its 
volatility. But the means of preparing the 
soil, in such a manner as shall best enable it to 
extract from the air, and from other natural 



sources, the maximum of azote to condense 
into its own products, is, in reality, a problem 
worthy of scientific agriculture." — Principes de 
cliemie agricole au point de vue special des der- 
nieres reclierclies faites en Anghterre, 1855. 

Evidently this is but one steep from the re- 
cognition of the full utility of nitrogenized ma- 
nures, in causing the soil to produce the maxi- 
mum crop. 

Let us hope that M. Liebig will before long 
admit, with all the best farmers, with most 
savants who employ themselves in agricultu- 
ral chemistry, and with the chemists commis- 
sioned to analyze the commercial manures, in 
the storage-yards of the French- government, 
that the determination of the nitrogen and the 
phosphoric acid in manures, affords the princi- 
pal measure of their commercial value, since 
it represents those particular kinds of food for 
vegetables, which cultivators find it most dif- 
ficult to procure economically ; others, such as 
carbonates of lime and magnesia, plaster, and 
the alkaline salts, can be obtained at small ex- 
pense, as also, those organic remains, poor in 
azote, which furnish, by their spontaneous de- 
composition, carbonic acid, a substance which 
is also often found in excess among the stubble 
and other remains of former culture. 

Finally, one should recognise this fact, (and 
without doubt, you will be of the same opinion) 
that if M. Liebig has given neither the means 
to furnish economically artificial manures to 
the farmer, nor the true theory of the nutrition 
of plants, he has, at least, rendered some im- 
portant services to agriculture. 

Always exaggerating the power of mineral 
substances to fertilize the soil, he has given im- 
mense publicity in Germany, England, America 
and France, to exact ideas as to the utility of 
this important part of vegetable nutrition. 

In pointing out one of the causes of the ex- 
haustion of the fertility of the soil, he has ex- 
cited the lively attention of cultivators, especi- 
ally in England, where he indicated a danger, 
which appeared to him very formidable. 

He has finally succeeded, by prompt and 
sure ways in demonstrating to the farmers of 
all countries, the advantages (hitherto but too 
little appreciated, in spite of the efforts of other 
savants,) of chemical analysis applied to soils, 
to manures, and to crops. — Pa. Farm Journal. 



FOUR FIRESIDE SAINTS. 

We extract the following from Punch* 's cal- 
ender of matrons rendered worthy of his im- 
mortal cannonization by their eminent Fire- 
side virtues. Would that they might all find 
imitators now: — 

St. Phillis- — St. Phillis was a virgin of 
noble parentage, but withal as simple as any 
shepherdess of curdis and cream. She mar- 
ried a wealthy lord, and had much pin-money. 
But when other, ladies wore diamonds and 
pearls, St. Phillis only wore a red and white 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



215 



rose in her hair. Yet her pin-money bought 
the best of, jewelry in the happy eyes of the 
poor about her. St. Philis was rewarded. She 
lived until fourscore, and still carried the red 
and white rose in her face, and left their fra- 
grance in her memory. 

St. Norah. — St. Norah was a poor girl, and 
came to England to service. Sweet-tempered 
and gentle, she seemed to love everything she 
spoke to ; and she prayed to St. Patrick that 
he would give her a good gift that would not 
make her proud but useful ; and St. Patrick 
out of his own head taught St. Norah how to 
boil a potato. A sad thing, and to be lamented, 
that the secret has come down to so few. 

St. Phoebe. — St. Phoebe was married early 
to a wilful, but withal a good-hearted husband. 
He was a merchant, and would come home 
sour and sullen from 'Change. Whereupon, 
after much pondering, St. Phoebe in her 
patience set to work, and, praying the while, 
made of dyed lamb's wool a door mat. And it 
chanced from that time, that never did the 
husband touch that mat, that he did'nt clean 
his temper with his shoes, and he sat down 
by his Phoebe as mild as the lamb whose wool 
he had trod upon. Thus gentleness may make 
miraculous door-mats. 

St. Sally. — St. Sally, from her childhood, 
was known for her innermost love of truth. It 
was said of her that her heart was in a crystal 
shrine, and all the world might see it. Now, 
once when other women denied, or strove to 
hide, their age, St. Sally said — I am five and 
thirty. Whereupon, next birthday, St. Sally's 
husband, at a feast of all their friends, gave 
her a necklace of six-and-thirty opal beads ; 
and on every birthday added a bead until the 
beads amounted to fourscore-and-one. And the 
beads seemed to act as a charm; for St. Sally, 
wearing the sum of her age about her neck, 
age never appeared in her face. Such, in t ie 
olden time, was the reward of simplicity and 
truth. — Am. Agriculturist. 



Kidney Worm in Swine. — John K. Warren 
writes, " I am desirous of obtaining informa- 
tion regarding the Kidney Worm in Swine, 
symptoms, cause, and proper treatment — and 
of worms generally in that kind of stock. Can 
your readers inform me how to treat the scurf 
that appears upon the skin, especially of the 
back of the Suffolk breed, supposed to be mange, 
but now think it the effect of cold weather." 

Kidney Worms. — Cole in his "Diseases of 
Animals," says : " This disease is indicated by 
weakness about the loins." It will also exhibit 
itself in inability to use its limbs — sometimes 
one fore leg will refuse to do its duty — some- 
times both hind legs are powerless. 

Remedy. — The above named author says: 
''Corn soaked in lye of wood ashes, persever- 
in^ly used, has cured in many cases. Another 
writer says, " this may do in recent and slight 



affections ; but a more certain treatment is to 
make an incision about an inch long, on each 
side of the back bone over the kidneys, and 
after separating the skin slightly from the parts 
beneath, insert two or three cloves of garlic. 
Take a stitch to confine the garlic. Dr. Holmes 
of the Maine Farmer thinks pieces of onion or 
garget root would do as well." 

A writer in the Southern Cultivator says, to 
effect a cure requires nothing but a free use of 
copperas dissolved in water and mixed with 
meal so a& to form a dough. It will require 
some six or eight doses to cure a hog after he 
has got down. All farmers should give this to 
their hogs several times in the spring of the 
year — in fact, it is good for them occasionally 
through the year." The same writer says : 
" Copperas will destroy the large worms fre- 
quently found in the bowels of a hog, as well 
as those in the kidneys. One ounce or less is 
enough in any case. Sulphur is also good for 
hogs, and enough of it will make them shed 
lice if they have any, and may be given with- 
out any risk of clanger." 

Another remedy of " kidney worms," we 
have seen, is to place the hog on its back and 
tramp its bowels across the kidneys. Another, 
gash the hog on the back and fill the cuts with 
salt ; another has cured the disease by making 
an incission over the kidneys near the spine, 
about four inches long and something over an 
inch deep, filled it with pods of red pepper and 
then sewed it up. Another, by putting spirits 
of turpentine on their backs just over the kid- 
neys, and repeating the application once or 
twice if necessary. Has never known it to 
fail. This is more humane. Another, in the 
Ohio Cultivator is "to give the animal afflicted 
1 oz. copperas daily for six or eight days. 
Make a slop of about two quarts of corn meal 
and dish-water ; dissolve the above quantity of 
copperas in a tea-cup of warm water and mix 
the whole together. Then give it to the hog." 
The disease of several months standing has 
been cured in this way. 

Worms in th>e Intestines. — Youatt says "the 
presence of worms may be inferred when the 
animal eats voraciously and yet continues lean 
and out of condition, coughs, runs restlessly 
about, uttering squeaks of pain, becomes sav- 
age. The excrements are generally hard and 
highly colored, the eyes sunken. The animal 
becomes debilitated, and has frequent attacks 
resembling cholic, which tend to weaken him. 
Too often he dies ; for before these symptoms 
have been noticed the evil -has generally at- 
tained to such a height as to be beyond the 
power of medicine ; for these parasites multi- 
ply with incredible rapidity. 

Remedies. — Drastic purgatives constitute the 
most efficient means of combatting worms; but 
they must be cautiously administerd, as they 
are but too apt to dissolve and force away the 
living mucus of the intestinal canals. Turpen- 
tine is exceedingly destructive to worms, and 



216 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



although to many of our domesticated animals 
a dangerous medicine, it may be administered 
with perfect safety to the hog. Common salt 
may be given with advantage, and should be 
mingled with the food. Nor must it be sup- 
posed that because no worms are seen to come 
away from the animal the nutriment may be 
discontinued, or that there are none ; hundreds 
of them die in the intestines, and there become 
digested and decomposed, and go through the 
same process as the food." — Prairie Farmer. 



APPLICATION OF SALT-PETRE TO SEED 
WHEAT. 

Geo. C. Gilmer, Esq. : 

Dear Sir. — I have just received your letter 
of the 17th of Dec. last, published in the 
Southern Planter. 

Save your salt-petre until next fall, and use 
it as I have recommended. You might just 
as well expect to heat your cooking stove to 
do the baking, by building the fire upon its 
hearth, as to expect benefit to your wheat 
crop. by distributing a pound of salt-petre upon 
an acre of land. It would doubtless be of 
some little service to the soil, but of so incon- 
ceivably little to the wheat crop, that I 
should regard it as so much money uselessly 
expended. 

By pursuing my directions, you bring the 
benefit of the nitre into immediate use, by the 
grains of wheat absorbing its fertilizing pro- 
perty — and besides, you gain the benefit of the 
wheat grains being enveloped in the ashes or 
lime used. The first of which articles is ad- 
mitted by everybody to be among our most 
valuable fertilizers. 

My object in adopting the process, was to 
manure the seed instead of the soil, so as to 
give a vigorous and healthy start to the wheat, 
by enabling it to throw out strong roots to 
withstand the winter and promote its after 
growth. 

I have no doubt, if wheat was rolled in 
guano, by making it wet with some glutinous 
water to make the guano adhere and envelope 
the grains, that its benefits would be greater 
than if sown broadcast. You are a practical 
farmer. I am not. Pray try it. If we ex- 
pect to gain benefit by one power being ap- 
plied to another, they must come in contact 
at some points, otherwise nothing is achieved. 
You say you always derive great benefit by 
using guano in the drills for tobacco. Why 
is this ? It is because you bring its effects 
immediately in contact with the seed itself. 

If you take a pound of nitre (pulverized,) 
and sow it upon an acre, how many of its 
miuute particles would come in contact with 
the grains of the wheat. Such an experiment 
is too much like the Homeopathic system of 
attempting to arrest a violent attack of dis- 
ease, where the lancet or other potent reme- 
dies would be necessary to save life. 



With the wishes of your " unknown friend,' 7 
that your life may be prolonged to test my 
suggestions^ of applying manure to the seed, 
where it is not practicable to manure the 
soil, 

I remain, most respectfully, yours, 

Incognito. 



MORE ABOUT THE OAT CROP. 

February 28th, 57. 

Mr. Ruffin, — Your interesting article on oats 
reminded me of Mr. Hill Carter's remarks on 
that crop in the Farmer's Register, Yol. 1, p. 
134, as follows — 

"I have tried the oat crop instead of the 
corn crop as a cleanser, but it will not answer. 
The oat crop is an effectual cleanser of onions 
for the time being, that is to say your crop of 
wheat for two or three years after the oats, will 
be perfectly free from onions, but they will re- 
turn after a while if you stop the oat s} T stem. 
But the oats do not in the least prevent the 
growth of blue grass, wire grass, or partridge 
pea, and a hoe crop is the only remedy. I shall 
now be compelled to my sorrow to abandon oats 
as a cleanser and substitute the corn crop, so 
foul has my land become of everything except 
the onion which the oat crop has kept under. 
I have this year lost one third of my wheat by 
blue grass. I consider the oat crop, if a heavy 
one, fully as exhausting as the corn crop ; and 
I do not regret being obliged to abandon it, 
and take up the corn crop on that account, but 
I regret it on account of the onion of which the 
corn crop is not half so good a cleanser, and 
besides I shall find it too laborious to cultivate 
one-fourth of my land in corn in addition to 
my swamp land : but it must be done, there is 
no alternative, for the blue grass must be 
checked." 

On p. 106, same vol., "A walk through Shir- 
ley farm," occurs the following — 

"The wheat after clover in the present rota- 
tion is usually double as much as the same 
land will bring two years after when succeed- 
ing oats-" 

The important fact that "the oat crop is an 
effectual cleanser of onions for the time being," 
I first learned from this communication, but 
fortunately have not been obliged to resort to 
it for that purpose. 

As an improver, I can, according to your 
general invitation, add my testimony, but it 
will be, as an old bachelor friend of mine said 
of the ladies, mostly found in the negative. 

My first effort was on a poor hill not very 
steep but gently rounding and a fine exposure. 
The oats were sown with clover'especially to fall 
on the land and give it a fulf benefit, but the 
failure altogether so signal, that it was not re- i 
peated. The same hill I should like to show 
you now (last of February,) improved by other j 
methods, covered with wheat that will hide a 
partridge if not a hare. Another more striking 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



217 



case was a fine level piece of land carefully 
managed from the stump, or time of its being 
cleared. It had been cultivated only in tobacco 
and wheat, followed by clover, and never in 
corn. On this land a fijae crop of oats was 
grown, and when just ripe was well ploughed 
under, and the next year put in tobacco with- 
out any perceptible benefit then or since. 

As to sassafras, I once tried a crop of oats on 
land covered with that pest as high as a man's 
shoulders, plowing it well in May when the 
leaves were half grown, and harrowing it thor- 
oughly, dragging up immense piles of them, 
and then sowing the oats with the harrow, 
which made a fair crop for the land, and crip- 
pled the sassafras surprisingly. 

So far, you see, I am entirely in the nega- 
tive; yet I think your's an excellent editorial. 
The facts you give are very striking, and will 
at least serve to correct a general impression as 
to the excessively exhausting power of this crop, 
taken up chiefly from the naked state in which 
it leaves the land. 

Your deductions are admirable, and I think, 
deserve to be stereotj^ped. Please reprint them 
here, as the best conclusion I could desire, and 
oblige yours, sincerely, M. 

. — *.»*»■*■ 

SUBSOIL PLOUGHING— WHEAT CROP 
IN CLARKE. 

White Post P. 0., Clarke Co. Va., } 
February 27th, 1857. j 

I have undertaken this spring to plow 00 
acres for corn, with two three horse McCormick 
plows, which are followed with two of my best 
subsoil plows, which makes my plowing aver- 
age from 15 to 18 inches in depth. I have 
been plowing eight days, and think I have 
averaged nearly four acres per day. I mention 
this to show you that I, although a leaser of 
land, believe that subsoiling pays in the long 
run. I find it is all a notion with a farmer, 
when he says he has not time to subsoil his 
land. It is a want of faith, a stingy fear of 
losing what he has gotten out of the soil without 
helping it any, that prevents him from making 
a fair trial, or a succession of trials, for I do 
not consider one trial a fair test. I venture to 
predict that at no distant day all the clay lands, 
or lands with clay subsoils in Virginia, will be 
subsoil plowed. I stated to you two weeks or 
more ago that the wheat was but little injured 
by the winter, since then it has grown very 
much and looks nearly as promising as it did in 
November last. 1 find that the wheat seeded 
before the 20th of September, has some fly in 
it, and it is generally in what is called the flax- 
seed state. If the present prospect is anything 
like realized, we shall have a heavy crop in 
this, section of the state, and I assure you we 
stand in need of it, having had three successive 
poor crops in consequence of joint-worm, chinch 
bugs, and dry, cold springs, up to harvest. 

In haste. Yours, very respectfully, &c, 

ISAAC IRVINE HITE. 



SEED CORN- 



-SASSAFRAS— JOINT 
WORM. 



Cumberland, March 11, 1857. 
My Dear Sir — Your request that I should 
write for the " Planter/' is a compliment much 
prized. I fear, however I shall not be able to 
contribute anything worthy such a destination. 
As I have several matters, which it might be 
well enough to make public — none, however, 
of much importance — I will embrace them in 
one article. * 

SEED CORN. 

I do not know what could have been alluded 
to in your letter on this subject, unless it was 
the method observed by the late Col. Edward 
Ward of Alabama, in selecting corn for seed, 
which I have long adopted, with much satisfac- 
tion. It consisted simply in picking out the 
largest and fairest ears of corn, and then shell- 
ing off, by hand, the large tooth-shaped grains, 
at the big end of the cob, for seed, and but very 
little more. The remainder of the ear was ap- 
plied to other uses. In this way, Col. Ward 
most certainly improved his kind of corn very 
much, as was most manifest to the man y friends 
whom his hospitality and worth brought about 
him. Such grains are twice as heavy as those 
near the little end of the ear, and, of course, 
yield twice as much nutriment to the sprout of 
corn when it first germinates. I have seen this 
proved experimentally. A small piece of rich 
garden ground was planted, with such grains, 
in rows alternating with rows of grain taken 
from near the little end of the cob. In six 
weeks, the first were three times as large as the 
latter, and maintained their superiority till fully 
ripe. 

Much has been said, which I have esteemed 
of but little value, on the subject of double- 
eared, or, twin corn. A friend of mine — now 
for many years dead — long ago proved, by ac- 
curate experiment, that good land would yield 
the same, in weight, of any two kinds of corn ; 
but about twice as much, in bulk, of the light- 
est sort of corn, as it would of the heaviest. — 
Whatever the kind may be, Col. Ward's meth- 
od of selecting such seed as contain most food 
for the young plant, I think the most rational. 

Before leaving the subject of corn, I will 
mention a terrible pest, with which we, in this 
region, are sadly annoyed, especially in stiff 
low grounds. It is what we call the wire worm, 
a small chesnut-brown worm, with many legs 
and a hard shell, composed of many little rings. 
They eat into the grain — sometimes eight or 
ten bury their heads into one grain, and devour 
what was intended as pabulum for the germ. 
The best preventive against these that I know, 
is, after soaking the seed corn, all night, in 
warm water — to secure its sprouting, in case of 
dry weather — to smear it well with warm tar, 
and then roll in flour sulphur and powdered 
Gypsum. Those who neglect this, sometimes 
have to plant their corn four or five times over. 



218 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



SASSAFRAS. 

My late friend and county man, John C. Page, 
Esq., one of the best agriculturists that I have 
known, destroyed sassafras in the following 
manner. He had it cut off, with grubbing hoes, 
below the surface, in winter or early spring, 
that there might be no hard wood to contend 
with, in the after treatment. Again, the sprouts 
were closely cut off with briar-hooks or old 
scythe blades, in the month of May while they 
were tender. This was done merely to remove 
them while soft, lest they should become hard 
before the last cutting. They would, however, 
soon spring up again, and in August, they 
were again reaped off, close to the ground. — 
This last reaping generally exhausted the roots 
so much — depriving them of air, through want 
of leaves — that they died. I have not had oc- 
casion to use such means in the destruction of 
sassafras. With me, they have only grown in 
detached patches, which I could easily exter- 
minate by making summer cow or sheep pens 
of their sites for one, or if necessary, two sum- 
mers successively. I know you will unite with 
me in deploring, that agriculture should have 
lost so much strong practical and judicious 
management, and the community, so much 
worth, by the death of John C Page. Honour 
to the memory of such men, wherever they may 
have lived ! 

JOINT WORM. 

During the spring and summer of 1854, 1 firs 
saw the insects called Joint Worms. They did 
great harm to our wheat crops in that year, 
much of which was charged to Hessian fly and 
chinch bugs. Scrutinizing their habits I found 
that the fly made its appearance between the 
first and middle of May — that it deposited its 
eggs in the sheath or boot of the upper joint 
of the straw, and of the joint next below — 
that most of the straws thus treated by them 
failed to grow high enough to reach the stroke 
of the scythe, and consequently were left in the 
stubble field — that by the time of harvest the 
little worm became a chrysalis, doomed to re- 
main in the straw, chiefly in that part of it 
called stubble, until the next May, when it 
hatched out into the fly-state again. Consider- 
ing that nature had thus provided a law for 
their existence, in the straw and stubble above 
ground, I thought that by altering the condi- 
tions of that law, so as to secure their being 
buried underground, we might either extermi- 
nate or so much diminish them, as to render 
their ravages comparatively innoxious. Some 
time in the summer of 1854, I sent an article, 
to this purport, to " The Southern Planter." — 
Another writer in "The Planter" has since 
confirmed these opinions, by taking somewhat 
the same view of the matter. Since 1854 there 
has been so much dry cool weather, in April 
and May, and so many chinch bugs, that the 
wheat did not begin to head until about the 1st 
of June, after most of the joint worm flies must 



have died. I fear that the general belief that 
they are disappearing is a mistake. I still try 
to provide against them, by burying their lar- 
vae alive. If we have a genial spring, I shall 
be able to report to you whether I gain by it, 
or to rejoice with you and the whole land, that 
they are, in reality, disappearing. 

I have heard that a gentleman, at a distance 
from me, in a district infested with joint Avorms, 
for certain reasons, sowed wheat, in the same 
ground for two years in succession, and made a 
fine crop the second year, while all his neigh- 
bors signally failed, on account of the joint 
worm. Who can assign a better reason for 
this, than that he destroyed, by burying all the 
joint worms of his own raising, and had none 
to disturb him, but stragglers from the neigh- 
borhood ? Very truly yours, 

W. S. MORTON. 



For the Southern Planter. 

QUAERE ABOUT MAKING DOMESTIC 
SUGAR. 

Falmouth, Stafford Co., Feb. 2& 
3Ir. Editor — 

May I be permitted to ask through the 
columns of your journal, whether any of your 
readers have been successful in the domestic 
manufacture of sugar or molasses, in a small 
way, from the watermelon, or the sugar-beet, or 
the sugar-millet. 

The present exhorbitantly high prices of the 
above articles, and which according to all pub- 
lished accounts, promises to go up still higher, 
calls on those who are fond of " sweets," to 
look around for some new source from whence 
to obtain a portion, if not all, for domestic 
consumption at least, of molasses, if not of su- 
gar. I can hardly doubt that some efforts have 
been made to make molasses from the water- 
melon, I should like to hear of such efforts, and 
if they have proved failures, what has been the 
most probable cause of such failure, and whe- 
ther they can be remedied so that it can be 
made in a small way. 

Is it not a question also well worthy of con- 
sideration whether guano will pay a remunera- 
ting profit at its present high prices; and if not 
what shall we have as the best substitute, and 
whether there is any green crop that can be 
turned under that will at all compare with it. 
Yours, most respectfully, 

A. N. D. 



For the Southern Planter. 

White Post P. 0., Clarke Co. Va., \ 
< February 26th, 1857. £ 
Experience in using reaping and mowing 
machines for several years, induces me to re- 
commend to all who think of using them in fu- 
ture, to pick up, in the month of March, all 
loose stones, stimips, roots, &c, that might 
come in contact With the cutters of any of the 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



219 



aaping machines now in use. Meadows should 
e cleaned off earlier than wheat fields. It is 
Iso very desirable to place a stake five feet long 
rmly in the ground by the side of every small 
v large stump, or fast rock, that the driver may 
void it, or raise the machine and let it pass 
ver. I. I. KITE. 



A CHEAP BEE HIVE, &c. 

We annex below Mr. Quimby's plan of 
iaking cheap bee hives, written for the 
Imerican Agriculturist. It is so near our 
wn system, as recommended by us in our 
ublications, that it seems like reading 
erbatim from the " American Bee Keep- 
r's Manual," a work that we published 
Dme seven years ago, and which now 
antinues to have an extensive sale. 
Recently there has been considerable 
lid in the papers in regard to the great 
uantity of honey said to have been sold 
■ Mr. Quimby last fall. It is said that 

sold twenty thousand pounds ! It is 
ir opinion that the statement is false — a 
sception for some ulterior purpose. Mr. 
uimby resides in Montgomery Co., not 
r from Utica. and in 1855 and 6 — ac- 
)rding to his own statement in certain 
ipers, had but about two hundred hives, 
id these were located in three different 
aces. Now, 20,000 lbs. of honey from 
)0 hives, is 100 lbs. to each, and every 
;e keeper knows that no such quantity 
in be produced by bees. In no case can 
rge apiaries be made to average a sur- 
ds of over ten or fifteen pounds of honey 
om each old stock of bees, and in many 
•ctions of the country they will not aver- 
se so much, and swarms in such places 
oduce little or no surplus the first sea- 
n. Ten pounds per family w r ould pro- 
ice, in Mr. Quimby's case, some two 
ousands lbs. of surplus honey, and that 
lantity is all, in our opinion, that he can 
ive sold in one season, from his own 
es. 

Were we 1o say, that Mr. Q. has desired 
excite the public mind, and thereby sell 
s book, the " Mysteries of Bee Keep- 

1 or that Mr. Judd, the editor of the 
qriculturist , has endeavored to create a 
ror among bee keepers, to learn through 

paper the great "mystery" of produ- 
ng such an enormous product of honey, 
i should say what we have no positive 
oot of ; but still, we have our opinion on 
ese points, and if Mr. Q. will prove that 



he really did sell twenty thousand pounds 
of honey last fall, we will give him our 
columns to do it in, and we will beg his 
pardon, and Mr. Judd's, a thousand times 
for the surmises here set forth. 

We feel that it is our duty to protect the 
bee-keeping community from imposition, 
being the author of a work on bee keep- 
ing, as our reputation is at stake for posi- 
tions taken in bee culture, that would be 
overthrown, if it were possible for 200 
stocks of bees to produce 20,000 lbs. of 
surplus honey in a season. 

We shall send a copy of this paper to 
Mr. Q., and invite the proof of the al- 
leged sale for publication in the Rural, and 
if his statement is true, he shall have the 
benefit of our circulation to crown him the 
" King of bee keepers," and furthermore, 
we will allow him to descant on the mer- 
its of his book on bees, and sell all he can 
to our subscribers. 

The whole secret of Mr. Q.'s success in 
bee culture lies in the facts, that he de- 
votes the most of his time to a faithful at- 
tention to them, and the^ section of coun- 
try where he resides is one of the best 
for bees in the whole United States. Let 
no one suppose that in New England, or 
any other location, where the bee pastures 
are not white in June with white clover, 
that great results in surplus honey can be 
obtained uniformly. 

Here is his plan for cheap bee hives : 

When the profit of bee culture is the 
only object, of course the cheapest route 
to reach that point will be adopted. If 
with a hive costing twenty-five cents, we 
secure the same results as with one cost- 
ing five dollars, we save just the difference. 
If any one desires ornamental hives to cor- 
respond with his establishment in other 
respects, that is different, and .there can 
be no objection, of course, but the extra 
expense should not be charged to the bees 
as a necessary outlay. With these pre- 
liminary remarks, I will proceed to des- 
cribe a hive in its simplest form, but one 
which will give every facility for obtain- 
ing the purest honey to be had, in any 
style. 

First. The general form of the hive is 
a wooden box, the internal size being say 
twelve inches square and fourteen inches 
high, made of sound boards an inch in 
thickness, and unplaned either within or 
on the outside, except at the edges, to 



220 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



make close joints. To construct it, cut 
boards fourteen inches long, two of them 
twelve inches wide, and two fourteen 
inches wide. These nailed together at 
the edges, the wider ones being put over 
the edges of the other two, will make the 
inside size as above, viz : twelve inches 
square and fourteen inches high, and the 
hive will contain a little over two thou- 
sand cubic inches. 

The size is important. There should 
be room for brood and for storing a win- 
ter supply of honey in one apartment. If 
too small, an insufficient supply of food 
will be stored; if too large, more honey than 
is necessary will be stored in the hive, 
when' it ought to be in boxes above for profit. 
I stated that the size should be about 
two thousand cubic inches, but I would 
vary the size with the latitude. Say 
south of 40 degrees, where the winter is 
comparatively short, a less size will do, as 
a less quantity of honey for food will be 
required. But here another point must be 
kept in view : there must be room for all 
the brood combs needed by the queen, 
otherwise the stcfck will run down for want 
of new recruits. From several experi- 
ments to ascertain this point, eighteen 
hundred inches is indicated as all the room 
necessary for that purpose. Perhaps the 
last size would be the proper one for pro- 
fit any where south of the latitude of 40 
degrees, and in no case would less than 
one cubic foot (1728 inches) be advisable. 
For the top, take a board fifteen inches 
square, which would allow it to project 
half an inch over each side of the hive. 
Plain only the upper side. Around the 
edge's of the planed side, rabbet out the 
corners half an inch deep, and an inch in- 
ward so that another box a little larger 
than the main.hive can be set over it and 
fit into the rabbeted edge of the cover. 
Through the cover make two rows of holes, 
say about three inches each side of a line 
drawn through its centre. These holes 
should be made uniformly distant, because 
it is necessary to have a rule to go by in 
making glass boxes to fit over them. A 
pattern to make the holes by is very con- 
venient. The cover can now be nailed on. 
Make a small opening for the passage 
of the bees in the front side of the hive, 
either at the bottom, or part way up; or, 
what is better in both places. These will 
be sufficient for ventilation, except, in hot 



weather, when the front side of hi\ 
containing full stuck should be raised h 
an inch or so to admit air. Put stic 
across the inside to support the con 
close to the holes in the top, and this p: 
of the hive is ready for the bees. 

The honey to be removed from the be 
is stored by them in glass boxes set up 
the top of the hive. There may be t 
or four of these, the number dependi 
upon the size desired, and they can be 
inches, and 6£ or 12^ inches long. T 
top and bottom is made of wood and 1 
sides of glass. For the wood, take tl 
boards, and plane down to one-fourth 
an inch, cut the proper length and wid 
and make holes in the bottom piece to ci 
respond with the holes in the top of 1 
hive. The posts or corner-pieces are f 
inches long, and say five-eighths of 
inch square. In two adjacent sides 
each piece make a narrow groove or ch; 
nel, one-fourth of an inch deep, for gl 
to fit in. Fasten these upright pie< 
upon each corner of the bottom by nail: 
through into the end. The glass si< 
previously cut out of the proper size, 
then slipped down into the grooves. N 
stick fast to the top piece some pieces 
new white comb, an inch square, as a 1 
ginning for the bees — one edge dipped 
melted wax and applied before coolii 
will hold these bits of comb fast. Tl 
put this top piece on, fastening it to 1 
top of the upright posts of the corner w 
small nails. The boxes can be set av 
until wanted for use. The glass sides r 
be cut from common window panes. Fi 
the size above indicated, that is 5 inc 
high, and 6 or 12 inches long, panes 10 
12 inches cut up without waste, 
small upright corner piece may be won 
out in long strips, and then cut up to 
required length. A thin grooving pa 
or a saw, will cut the grooves for the g 
readily. 

A covering over the glass box is ne< 
sary. This is to be made of boards, 
7 inches deep, and exactly 13 inc 
square on the inside, so as to fit down u 
the rabbeted edge of the cover to the u 
hive, and shut out all light. Bees 
work in such boxes without the rabbe 
around the edge of the top, but un 
there is a close joint to shut out light, 
glass and combs do not appear so cleai 
when it is perfectly dark. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



221 



I have thus given a full description of 
that is really needful in a bee-hive, 
it those who wish can have the outside 
med and painted, and add moldings, 
ntals, and any amount of ornaments ; 
long as the principle is observed it will 
t interfere with the prosperity of the 
es. Even an excess of ornament would 
attended with less expense than most 
tent hives not half as good. There is 
•t the least necessity of the simple hive 
sting over 25 cents, the cover to the 
ixes 12^ cents, stand 6 cents, roof 6 
nts, or all complete for 50 cents* The 
ass boxes would cost the same for any 
ve, and are not reckoned. 
The stands for the hive to rest upon and 
e roofing, are yet to be described. The 
and is made of inch boards, 15 inches 
ide by 2 feet long, the ends nailed ort 
eces of wood or joist from two to four 
ches square, and put directly on the 
pund, with the hive on the back end. 
he advantages of this arrangement are 
ifficient to balance any little trouble of 
jeping down weeds, grass." &c. The roof 
made by two boards, 10 by 24 inches, 
liled together like a house-roof, and laid 
l the top loosely. One great advantage 
separate stands, is, there is no difficulty 
allowing plenty of room between stocks, 
hich is an important consideration. 

Rural American. 



of dozens. These eggs are worth at least 
two dollars for each hen. But allowing 
one-half to go for faeding them, there will 
be left a net profit from the eggs of $24.- 
000,000 annually, making a net profit of 
60,000,000 from the combined productions 
of eggs and chickens. 

Do 

Let no one infer from the above, that 
poultry raising can be made profitable on 
an extensive scale. A large number of 
fowls confined in a yard will not prosper, 
as has been demonstrated many times. 
From 20 to 50 are quite as many as should 
be kept by any one. Mr. B. would make 
his readers believe that twelve dozen eggs 
a year are an under estimate of the num- 
ber that fowls actually produce. He 
ought to know better, as he is the author 
of a work on domestic poultry. Taking 
fowls as they run in the country — common 
breeds, and crosses of all imaginable vari- 
eties, and they will not average over one 
hundred eggs to the hen, per annum. We 
speak from long experience, and a test of 
the question. Now, it will cost one dollar 
a year to support such fowls, if all their 
food is purchased at the present rates of 
grain, and the reader can see for himself 
how much profit is made on raising fowls, 
taking the value of the eggs only into con- 
sideration. — Rural American. 



RAISING POULTRY. 

Mr. C. N. Bement writes to the Country 
rentleman a long oommunication on rais- 
lg fowls, from which we extract, as fol- 
>ws : 

Let us suppose that there are in this 
ounlry three millions of families that pos- 
ess all the conveniences to keeping poul- 
•y, more or less. The number is doubt- 
iss greater ; for there is no animal that 
reathes in the service of man, which has 
uch powers of self-multiplication or pro- 
uctiveness as fowls. Then let it be sup- 
osed that to each of the families belong 
en hens — a very moderate allowance 
urely — yet this will make thirty millions 
or the entire county, which at thirty 
ents each constitutes an entire invest- 
ment of $9, 000,000. Again, if each of 
he stocks of hens lays only twelve dozen 
:ggs in the year, less than one dozen in 
our weeks — there will be a product of 



TO SWEETEN RANCID BUTTER. 

An agriculturist, near Brussels, in Eu- 
rope, having succeeded in removing the 
bad smell and disagreeable taste of some 
butter by beating or mixing it with chro- 
ride of lime, he was encouraged by this 
happy result to continue his experiments 
by trying them upon butter so rancid as 
to be past use ; and he has restored to 
butter, the odor and taste of which was 
insupportable to all, the sweetness of fresh 
butter. This' operation is extremely sim- 
ple and practicable for all. It consists in 
beating the buiter in a sufficient quantity 
of water, into which had been mixed 25 or 
30 drops'of chloride of lime to two pounds 
of butter. After having brought all its 
parts in contact with the water, it may be 
left for an hoar or two ; afterwards with- 
drawn, and washed anew in fresh w r ater. 
The chloride of lime used, having noth- 
ing injurious in it, can safely be increased; 
but after baring verified the experiment, 
it was found that 25 or 30 drops to two 



iggs in the entire country of 360,000,000 j and a half pounds of butter, were sufficient. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 




y^-^^^^^z 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. 



TERMS AND CONDITIONS. 

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RUFFIN & AUGUST, Proprietors. 



Office : No. 153, Corner Main and Twelfth Street.- 



CORN PLANTERS. 

There fire several implements of this class 
which perform their work admirably ; and we 
earnestly beg every one who reads this article 
to get one of some of the various patents, and 
plant the corn crop with it. 

Wo have tried two of these implements ; and 
each was successful. AVe own Emery's, an 



Albany invention, advertized in this No. o 
the Planter, by Thos. Branch & Sons, Peters 
burg, and by parties in Richmond, and w 
have tested it sufficiently to recommend it witl 
confidence. We borrowed last year, and triet 
it on the same land with Emery's, a. Con 
Planter invented by Lieut. E. S. Gay, of th 
State Guard, Richmond. Having been mad* 
for, and adapted to, light land, in which it ope 
rated perfectly, it was not guaged to as stiff j 
soil as we cultivate ; but it could easily b 
altered, and made to answer on such land. I 
was stronger than Emery's, which, valuable a 
we deem it, is yet entirely too light. Havim 
called the attention of the inventor to this dc 
feet, and he having failed to remedy it, w 
shall try the effect of this public criticism. 

•.Another very superior Corn Planter is mad 
by E. Whitman & Co., of Baltimore, and b; 
Baldwin & Cardwell, of Richmond, as thei 
agents. The workmanship of Baldwin & Card 
well's is unexceptionable; that of E. Whit 
man & Co.'s, as far as we have seen, is not s 
good ; so we prefer the former. 

Still another implement of this class is mad 
by A. P. Routt, (Somerset P. 0., Orange Co. 
Va.,) who took the first premium with it at th 
late exhibi ion of the Virginia State Agricultu 
ral Society. 

A fifth, and very ingenious, Corn Planter 
has been invented, and, we believe, patentee 
by a Mr. Whitehead, of Chesterfield, (Man 
Chester P. 0.) We have seen only the mode 
of this machine, but it seemed to be well con 
trived. 

Supposing these and other implements 0| 
the same design capable of dropping the con 
equally well, and of opening the ground fo 
the reception of the seed, there are two othe: 
points involved, as to which the preferences o 
different parties must be consulted by them 
selves. These 4 are the modes of distribution 
and of covering the corn. Gay's, Routt's ad 
Whitehead's, as now made, drop the corn ii 
hills ; but they can be very easily made to dril 
it. Emery's and Whitman's either drill o: 
drop it in hills. Gay's and Whitehead's cove: 
the corn and leave the land over it ridged uj 
and light. The others roll the dirt on the con 
and puck it down. The season for bringing 
up corfr*last year was a bad one, and we fount 
that on stiff land; whether richlcw-grounds, Oi 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



223 



thin uplands, that there was a vast difference 
in favour of rolling. We tried several acres 
in one place, with successive rows, planted in 
rotation, with Emery's Planter and the drill 
rolled, with Gay's and the drill ridged, by hoe 
covering, and by the cultivator or corn coverer. 
There was a very considerable difference in 
favour of the stand obtained from Emery's 
drill over any of the other modes. On the low- 
grounds, the difference between hoe-covering 
and Emery's, the only two plans there tried, 
was still more remarkable. On one piece of 
ground we tried them in alternate rows in a 
piece of very stiff and cloddy land, not reduced 
to a decent tilth, and we got a good stand with 
the Corn Planter, and a total failure with the 
hoe. Other gentlemen may have had an oppo- 
site experience, and of course should be guided 
by it. Some have told us, that had the season 
been wet, so that the rains would have packed 
the rolled drill, — especially if it had followed 
in a furrow previously opened by the plough, — 
that the corn would not have been half a stand. 
"We can speak more distinctly on this point 
when such a condition of things has a chance 
to occur, as we mean to pursue the plan until 
it fails. 

As to the other point — drilling or dropping 
in hills — gentlemen will in that, also, follow 
their experience and particular notions. We 
can imagine no reason for prefering the hill 
system except where it is necessary to work the 
land in checks, or both ways. Nine times in 
ten, perhaps oftener, that plan is wrong for the 
land, and of no benefit to the crop. It often 
interferes with proper drainage, and ahVays com- 
pels an instant re-working of some part of the 
field, as it is obvious that the furrows first and 
last worked must be crossed at the same time. 
It is only necessary, as we conceive, where 
wire-grass, or some such indestructible pest, 
exists, and must be kept under. Where it is 
not necessary the drill sysfem seems to us to 
be best. Dropping the corn at intervals of 
three or four inches, as near as may be, one 
grain in a place, will enable one to chop out to 
a stand with the hoe, and thus thin and work 
the corn at one operation. The work will be 
I more expeditiously done than in thinning by 
hand, and the corn will have had, at the same 
time, the only working that can, as a general 
rule, be given to it with the hoe. This plan, 



too, if it takes more corn, yet obviates the 
necessity of replanting, as, though it may stand 
unequally, there will almost always be enough 
corn on the land ; and it will hardly be dis. 
puted that the most unequal stand is better 
than a replanting. 

It may be thought by some, who have never 
tried it, that the planter will not answer on 
cloddy land ; but we speak both from obser- 
vation and experience, when we say that it 
will put in the seed better on such land than 
it can be done by the hoe— not that it is 
unnecessary to pulverize for that, as for any 
other mode ; but that in cases, as of late spring 
ploughing, when the clods cannot be reduced 
without more labour than can be applied, it is' 
a preferable mode of planting. The clods are 
pushed aside by the opener of the drill ; and 
the corn is covered with the dirt which is sifted 
down upon it. 

Supposing the land to be prepared, two drills, 
with a horse each, will plant the corn faster 
than fifteen hands and six or eight horses can 
otherwise do it — and the balance of the force 
can be employed in hauling manure or pre- 
paring land for other purposes. We know very 
well a gentleman, not now a farmer, whose 
rule was to manure his tobacco land while he 
planted his corn. 

Most drills will sometimes skip, generally 
from choking, and it will be well to examine 
them occasional!}^ to see that the openings, 
through which the corn falls, are not clogged. 
Whitehead's drills, by an ingenious contri- 
vance — a spring that scrapes out, at each revo- 
lution of the plate, the openings through which 
the corn falls — seem to be exempt from this ob- 
jection. 

If guano is used with the corn it should be 
dropped in a furrow deeply opened, and with 
the dirt thrown back upon it by listing, the list 
to be harrowed. This is a beautiful prepara- 
tion for the corn, and mixes the guano well 
with the soil. If any long or strawy manure 
is to be used in the drill, that, in the same way, 
may be easily and profitably buried out of the 
reach of the driil. 



FARMERS' MEETING AT THE EX- 
CHANGE HOTEL. 

On the evening of the day that the Executive 
Committee of the Virginia State Agricultural 
Society held their last session, they determin- 



224 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



ed, as an experiment, to invite such friends as 
they might fall in with, to unite with them in 
an informal meeting for agricultural discussion. 
The experiment succeeded beyond their most 
sanguine expectation, and an hour was passed 
in very pleasant and profitable conversation. — 
Knowing from the character of the gentlemen 
who were present, and the nature of the topics 
to be treated, that something worth recording 
would be evolved, we made an effort to report 
the proceedings, but, from the conversational 
style of the discussion, and the frequency of 
and number of questions asked each collocu- 
tor, we failed almost entirely, except in gath- 
ering a few leading facts. These, in a some- 
what disjointed way, we now proceed to give. 

We shall only premise that each gentleman 
was called on by the President of the Society, 
Mr. E. Ruffin. 

Grazing with a view to improvement of Land 
for Wheat. Mr. Ro. Douthat of Charles City 
County. — Cultivates his land, a fine clay loam 
on James River, on the four course rota- 
tion of clover, wheat, corn, wheat, followed, of 
course, by clover again. His fields contains, 
each, about 110 to 120 acres. He grazes upon 
the clover, forty cattle, fifty sheep and twenty 
mules. Makes fine crops. Chemists contend 
that land is injured by removing vegetable 
matter ; but under his systen he had doubled 
his crop of wheat in one rotation, commencing 
in 1848, On a portion of his land, which for- 
merly blew away with the March winds, he 
had made, in 1852, 42£ bushels per acre. — 
Limes extensively, and once in each rotation, 
but not as heavily as at first. His whole tract 
had been limed by his grandfather, the late 
Mr. Fielding Lewis. Uses the New York or 
North River lime, but thinks it very impure. 
Cannot tell its value as compared with oyster 
shell lime. Most farmers on the river repeat 
the liming periodical^. His neighbour, Mr. 
Selden, of Westover, also grazes as closely as 
passible; grazes all the time; says he will make 
no wheat if he doesn't; certainly makes fine 
crops under that system; turns his cattle on as 
soon as they can get a bite of clover. Mr. 
Taylor, of Breno, who, as did Mr. Selden, took 
the Society's honorary testimonial as one of 
the twelve best farmers in Virginia, is also a 
close grazer. But he manures every foot of his 
laud in the rotation, making the manure en- 



tirely from the resources of the farm, and ap- 
plies it altogether to clover. Mr. Douthat has 
never used guano ; some of his neighbors have. 
He thinks their crops of clover and grass are 
lessened in consequence ; but the last two sea- 
sons have been very dry. Some of his neigh- 
bours, on stiff land, have the five field system ; 
it would make his land too foul, especially in 
wire grass. 

Mr. Dulaney of Loudoun. Thinks it better 
to cut off clover than to graze it. His father 
once made an experiment, and found the land 
from which the clover had been cut to yield 20 
per cent, more wheat than that which had been 
grazed. Mr. Nesbit, an eminent English che- 
mist, thinks it better to. cut off two crops than 
to graze one, because the cattle nipping off the 
budding leaf would prevent the development 
of that much root, whereas in cutting off the 
full grown stalk and leaf, the root has had time 
to develope in the land, and so increase the nu- 
triment in the soil. But the best farmers in 
Clarke would not graze their clover. When, 
on looking at a fine field belonging to one of 
them last summer, he had observed that " that 
clover would graze forty head of cattle," the 
reply of the proprietor was, " I would as soon 
have forty devils on it." 

Mr. Doutiiat. Mr. Fielding Lewis was of 
the opinion of Mr. Dulaney's father ; and he 
carried it so far that rather than graze his clo- 
ver, or leave it on the land, he would have it 
cut on shares. 

Mr. Lewis E. Harvie of Amelia. For six- 
teen years did not graze at all. The land un- 
der that system was much more productive in 
corn, and oats, and tobacco ; less so in wheat. 
Of late, grazes extensively, and makes more 
wheat. He and his friends have used guano 
extensively. The wheat crop may have been 
increased by it, but not in a compensating ra- 
tio. The clover and other grass crops are less. 

Tobacco and Lime above Tidewater. Mr. 
Vincent Witcher of Pittsylvania. As far as 
lime had been tried in his region it had no ef- 
fect whatever. He once, years ago, had a bulk 
of slaked lime of some 18 or 20 bushels scat- 
tered on an area of some 40 feet diameter (an 
immense quantity per acre.) It produced no ef- 
fect whatever, good or bad ; and has produced 
none to this day. Mr. Peter Hairston, of North 
Carolina, had tried lime; and he had never 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



225 



seen any effect from it. The lands in his re- 
gion were naturally good. He knew a field, 
well, which is reported to have been cropped in 
grain without manure every year since the 
revolution ; and it will now produce from ten 
to fifteen bushels. He doubts the compar- 
ative profit of the wheat crop in his country. 
But they make as fine tobacco as any lands in 
the world. On his way to Richmond he trav- 
elled with a planter from North Carolina, Cas- 
well county, who was going to Lynchburg to 
receive the money for the tobacco sold by him- 
self and two brothers. He had sold at $35 f 
per cwt.; his brothers at $35 per cwt. each; and 
the manufacturers said it sold for half its value- 
It had been grown on thin land worth now 
$25 per acre in consequence of the enhanced 
price of tobacco ; but a few years ago it would 
not have brought more than $10 to $12 per 
acre. It was mainly manured with guano at 
the rate of 200 lbs. per acre. When they had 
exceeded this amount the quality depreciated ; 
and where 400 lbs. were used, the tobacco was 
the worse, being of a looser and coarser texture. 
The brothers made little other crop, and culti- 
vated 12,000 hills to the hand; at 4000 hills to the 
acre ; and 5 or plants to the pound, the sales 
would amount to $700 to the hand! But this 
tobacco was well made: the family were thought 
the best curers of the article in their country ; 
and the price obtained was above the average 
expected. But a plenty of it will sell at $25 
per cwt. 

The lands in Henry county, Va., were bettor 
than those in Caswell. They were more like 
the Albemarle land. The Caswell lands were 
grey. In Southern Pittsylvania, where the 
finer quality of manufacturing tobacco was 
made, the lands were also grey. The largest 
crop of tobacco per hand he had ever known 
was 3,500 lbs. But the plantation was very 
fine and productive, and every hand was an 
able bodied man. 

Col. Knight, of Nottoway. Had seen no 
effect from lime in his county. Experiments 
made by himself and others have satisfied him 
that it is perfectly valueless in that region. 
His land, the subject of one experiment, was a 
chocolate loam on big Nottoway river, but the 
lands of that region are generally grey But 
on neither grey nor chocolate lands had lime, 
though several times tried as an experiment, 

15 



both directly and incidentally, (as in the case 
of lime- used in building, where particular 
spots received a dressing of it,) been found to 
be of any effect except in one solitary case. 
Compost of lime and fence-corner scrapings-, 
and other like things, had produced some effect, 
but how much was due in those cases to the 
lime, and how much to the other ingredients of 
the compost, could not be told. The exception 
was a piece of pipe-clay land, which was stiff 
and very bare. There it might have altered 
the mechanical texture. The same thing was 
true of plaster, which had produced a very 
slight effect on a neighbour's grey land, but 
had shewn none on his or elsewhere. In 1850, 
he had experimented with various quantities 
of from three pecks to three bushels, but had 
seen no benefit. On these lands, when put in 
moderate condition, clover grows finely. 

In Prince Edward County, where a great deal 
of tobacco was made, the average per hand is 
from 8,000 to 10,000 hills. Every one over 
twelve years old, or that could plough, was 
counted a hand; and in worming and suckering 
tobacco, such lads were very effective. 

F. G. R. Last year, on a visit to a gentle- 
man of Prince Edward, ascertained that he 
cultivated, with fifteen hands, 200,000 tobacco 
hills, 100 acres in wheat, 60 acres in oats and 
50 acres in corn. The tobacco, the only crop 
he saw, was uncommonly clear of worms and 
clear of grass ; and the hands were a very 
likely set. 

Mr. Harvie, (in reply to question.) Had 
heard that Col. Cocke, of Powhatan, had 
planted his whole crop of tobacco, last year, 
w.ith plants on land not burned. It was not 
necessary to burn land for plants. If you will 
select a proper site, where a very thick bed of 
leaves has kept the grass from growing, and 
apply guano at the rate of 1000 lbs. per acre, 
you will get plants. His brother had tried the 
plan successfully. But the plants will grow 
rapidly from so much guano, and should be 
sown rather late. He uses the garden engine, 
as recommended by Mr. Sterling E. Edmunds 
in a late No. of the Planter. Likes the plan. 

Mr. "VV. G. Crenshaw, of Richmond, had a 

letter from Mr. , of Powhatan, who, with 

1000 lbs. of guano per acre, had raised plants 
from a bed prepared in April without burning. 

F. G. R. Mr. N. B. Gay, of Fluvanna, had 



226 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



raised plants on .land not burned, with guano 
applied at the rate of 1800 lbs. per acre. Had 
much trouble in weeding, but not more than 
the labour of burning would have amounted to. 
Had made fine plants himself with guano ap- 
plied at that rate in solution with water, thrown 
on at different times. Plants very fine, but 
rather forward. 

Mr. McGruder, of Albemarle. Had coul- 
tered a plant-bed with the best effect. 

Mr. Witcher. Had a neighbour who burned 
his plant-bed on a wheat-stubble, ploughed 
under and then covered with corn-stalks. He 
made as good plants as ever he saw grow. One 
year he had, himself, tended a crop of tobacco 
on new ground. The crop was very forward 
and was cut early. The seed of the suckers 
ripened, and after the land was ploughed they 
came up, making the whole land one plant-bed. 
He drew a great many plants from around 
the stumps and planted his crop with them, 
and it made as good tobacco as ever he saw in 
his life. He has heard from sources that com. 
manded credit, that the sprouts on cabbage 
stalks would, if drawn from the stalks and 
planted, make good cabbages. He knew, ex- 
perimentally, that this was true of the sprouts 
on tobacco stalks. He had frequently drawn 
suckers from stalks that had survived the 
winter, and planted them among his other 
hills. If there was any difference he had never 
found it out. 

Tobacco that was too large for the land 
would not mature well. The quality was in- 
ferior. The best tobacco was always a little 
undersized for the quality of the land. 

A great deal of the tobacco made in Henry 
and parts of Pittsylvania, would sell readily at 
$15 per cwt. without prizing. Many planters 
had no prizing machinery. Their rule was. to 
plant early and prime high, so as to let each 
leaf get the sun. Tobacco inspected in Rich- 
mond sells better than that inspected at Peters- 
burg or other points — at least much of that 
does which is bought to fill foreign orders. 
The reason is that the old " tobacco notes" re- 
quired the tobacco to be " James River sweet 
scented Oronoko tobacco," and the foreign 
trade still adheres to that standard that com- 
pels a Richmond inspection. 

Corn with Peas. Mr. Segar, of Hampton. 
Had known lands cultivated annually, for ten 



years, in corn with peas sown among it at the 
last working. The land became better and 
better. . 

Be Burg's Superphospate. Mr. Segar. Had 
made accurate experiments with the above 
fertilizer for three successive years, and had 
found it totally worthless. 

Mr. Dulaney. Had made an experiment 
with De Burg on corn. The superiority of the 
corn on the land to which it was applied had 
induced several of his neighbours to order con- 
siderable quantities of it. He had thus inno- 
cently misled them ; for none of them had 
been repaid. 

The meeting then adjourned ; and the ex- 
ecutive committee determined that at each meet- 
ting they hold, they will devote a night to dis- 
cussions such as had just terminated. 

VALLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

Winchester, March 2. 

We have a very flourishing agricultural so- 
ciety in this Valley, and last fall our exhibition 
was very successful ; but it is evident you con- 
sidered us small potatoes by permitting the no- 
tice of our success to devolve upon the Albany 
Cultivator. 

It is our opinion that " small potatoes" will 
not grow in the Valley of Virginia : at least we 
" have travelled that country all over" from 
Harper's Ferry to Lexington, touching at many 
intermediate parts, and we never heard of 
" small potatoes" in all our route, or routes — 
for we have performed the feat in several di- 
rections. If they have them then, they con- 
sume them all in the family, as an old grocer 
friend of ours did his rancid butter ; or, what 
is more likely, for they are not niggards, they 
give them to the hogs. But even then they 
have something more substantial, and live, to 
judge from appearances, a good deal better 
than those that were herded by the prodigal 
son. We doubt indeed, if in any one year 
there are " small potatoes" enough in the Val- 
ley to fatten a pen of twenty hogs. 

We hare failed to notice the exhibition of 
the Fair of the Valley Agricultural Society 
because we did not see any account of it in the 
papers, and because no friend gave us a private 
account of it. No doubt it was in the papers, 
as it should have been ; but we assure our 
friend that we cannot keep up with the papers ; 
as a general rule we cannot do more than ac- 
complish such reading of books and papers 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



227 



pertaining exclusively to our profession, as will 
enable us to make out a respectable journal. 
Many valuable items there are in our various 
exchanges, which we cannot take the time to 
look for. We tried it once, and found so much 
else to interest and attract us, that we were in- 
variably led away from our main business. 

If our friend will do us the favor to keep us 
advised of the condition and progress of The 
Valley Agricultural Society, we will take great 
pleasure in laying it before the public. And 
generally, we will esteem it a particular favour 
if our friends in all quarters will call our atten- 
tion to what they wish noticed. 

" SORGHO SUCRE. HOW TO MAKE SU- 
GAR." 

.A friend, who is "in" for some sugar from 
the Chinese Sugar Cane, but does not wish to 
get all the good of the speculation to himself 
send us the following from the National Intelli- 
gencer in regard to a Chinese Sugar Cane mill. 
If the hopes of the many who have underta- 
ken to raise a crop of the cane be only half re- 
alized, we suppose we must say to Louisiana, 
as Juliet did Romeo : " Sweet, good night!" — 
Bat for the present we judge it prudent to re- 
serve the salutation. 

The introduction of this article into our coun- 
try has called for an exercise of our mechani- 
cal talent to bring forward something to meet 
the experimenting demand for new sugar mills. 
In passing through the Institute Fair my at- 
tention was attracted to a singularly construct- 
ed revolving machine running upon three roll- 
ers ; but, upon close examination, I found it to 
be a Chinese sugar cane mill, invented by Mr. 
Hedges of Cincinnati, Ohio, who has been so 
success/ul in improving the famous little giant 
corn-mill, and has so lately invented a most" 
complete agricultural steam-boiler, one of which 
is also in operation at the fair. This sugar 
mill is certainly of a most novel construction. 
It consists of three vertical cast iron rollers, 
supported between strong cast plates, resting 
upon a triangular wood frame about eight feet 
on'its sides. Under each corner is a large truck 
wheel so adjusted when working as to revolve 
in a circle, the shaft of one of the rollers occu- 
pying the centre of the frame and clutched fast 
to a timber below, preventing its turning, while 
the otrfer two, being geared into it at the top, 
are made to revolve around it as the whole 
frame is turned by the horse. On one corner 
is a feed table, from which a man feeds the 
cane, which, having been acted upon by the 
two rollers, passes out upon a table on the other 
corner, which is removed as often as a sufficient 



quantity accumulates. The juice passes down 
through the bed-plate and is received in a ves- 
sel made for that purpose. In a few minutes 
the truck wheels can be changed and the clutch 
removed, and the whole is ready to travel. — 
There being no heavy beams to raise, posts to 
set, or over-head sweeps to provide, and at the 
same time so easily transported from place to 
place, it will prove to be just the thing needed 
by our farmers at this particular time, and from 
the cheapness of the article it must meet with 
ready sale. All interested in this line are ad- 
vised to give it an examination. *. 

FAILURE TO CREDIT EXTRACTS. 

Dr. Dadd, the very civil editor of the Boston 
Veterinary Journal calls our attention to the fact 
that two articles in the Jan'y No. of the Planter 
which belong to his paper appear as original — 
not " editorial" — in ours. We thank him for 
noticing it, and will endeavour not to offend 
again in the same way. If we should, how- 
ever, repeat the offence, we will very cheerfully 
make the amende when our attention is called 
to it. The articles alluded to are, one, p. 20, 
entitled "Random Thoughts on the Feet of 
Horses and Shoeing," another, p. 47, " Big 
Head." Both are excellent, and much better 
than anything of the kind that we can origi- 
nate. 

Will Dr. Dadd be so good as to publish a 
good article on rheumatism, general or local, in 
the horse. Our patient is recovering, and we 
would like to report his case if we could do so 
creditably or intelligibly. 



BEARDLESS BARLEY. 

Mr. J. W. Briggs, of West Macedon, Wayne 
county, New York, will send to any one, who 
will send him a postage stamp and a legible ad- 
dress, a head of the above barley by return 
mail, with printed instructions for cultivating 
in a way to insure a large return from a small 
quantity of seed. The head will contain from 
30 to 60 grains. A package containing three 
hundred grains securely enveloped, with a few 
heads to prove the fact that it is beardless bar- 
ley, will be sent by mail, post paid, for twenty 
five cents. It is a very great object to get a 
good variety of beardless barley. It is a better 
and more productive grain than oats, and prob- 
ably suits our climate better ; and the objec- 
tion to making it with us is its enormous beards. 
As there is no speculation in this offer, we feel 
no hesitation in giving it publicity. 



228 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



IMPROVEMENT TO MORRISON'S 
REAPER. 
Mr. Robt. J. Morrison, the inventor of the 
Reaper and Mower, to which the premium was 
awarded at the last State Agricultural Fair, has 
recently received several patents for improve- 
ments, which will greatly facilitate the man- 
agement of his machine, and render it more 
durable. His Reaper now adapts itself to ine- 
qualities of surface, and readily passes water" 
furrows without the aid of the operator. By a 
very simple contrivance, the frame is thrown 
upon a spring which saves the machine from 
that vibratory motion which loosens the bolts. 



NEW BOOKS. 

In the " American Poulterer's Companion," 
by Mr. C. N. Bement, of Albany, New York, 
and sent us by Harrold & Murray, Booksellers, 
Broad street, we have a book beautifully gotten 
up ; and which is really, what it professes to be, 
a practical treatise on poultry. We have long 
felt the want of such a book, and are happy to 
find one so well suited to enlighten us on the 
practical details of the art of poultry raising. 

If Mr. Bement's experience will induce our 
good people to abandon the present miserable 
system of keeping fowls of any age, size or 
description, without regard to their availability ; 
in any manner suggested by the wisdom of the 
old daddy or aunty, to whose tender mercies 
they are intrusted ; he will well deserve the 
thanks of all lovers of good living, and save 
some housewives from annual disappointment. 
The farmer, too, will be less stingy in meeting 
out the food for an establishment which fur- 
nishes the eggs he now buys, and the fowls which 
make him a good dinner without encroaching 
on his cherished flocks and herds, than for 
the support of a set of antiquated hens and 
dilapidated chicken-cocks; who furnish nothing 
biit trespassers on the garden, and an amount 
of vexation and annoyance to all parties, which 
must be experienced to be properly appreciated. 



VIRGINIA STATE AGRICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 

The Executive Committee of the above Soci- 
ety at its meeting in February, adopted the 
resolution to hold stated meetings on the last 
Tuesday in the months of January, April and 
July, and on the Friday before the last Tuesday 
in October annually. 

Such was the interesting and instructive 
character of the agricultural discussion held at 
the conclusion of the regular business of the 
Committee on the occasion of its last meeting, 
that it was determined that like discussions 
shall be hereafter held at the close of each of 
the stated meetings of the Committee, and that 
suitable efforts will be made to secure as far as 
convenient and practicable the attendance and 
participation of such intelligent and practical 
farmers in these discussions as will render the 
report of them a means of general instruction 
to their agricultural brethren. 

CHAS. B. WILLIAMS, Sec'y. - 



The Illustrated Annual Register of Rural Af- 
fairs and Cultivator Almanac for 1857. 
Messrs. Luther Tucker & Son, of Albany, 
have sent us a copy of the above valuable Reg- 
ister and Almanac. It is illustrated with one 
hundred and fifty engravings of houses, imple- 
ments, animals, fruits, &c, and has a number 
of receipts and suggestions, &c. Price, 25 cts. 



OSAGE ORANGE HEDGES. 

To the Editor of the Southern Planter : 

I did not see your article on Osage Orange 
Hedges, until the March number of the Plan- 
ter was in print, when the February number 
which contains it, accidentally fell into my 
hands. 

Having for some time past carefully prop- 
agated the Osage Orange, and from a sincere 
conviction of its great value as a hedge plant, 
endeavored to brin^ it into general use, — allow 
me space for some few remarks in reference 
to your editorial. 

I have the plants for sale, as you know, but 
have no apprehension that your readers will 
impute interested motives to me on that account. 
Where suitable stone for fencing is abundant, 
that should be used in preference to any other 
material ; but generally, in Virginia, where dead 
wood enclosures prevail, my own observation 
and experience have satisfied me, that the 
Osage Orange hedge is far preferable to* them 
— and that the original planting of a hedge, 
is little if any more expensive than a strong- 
rail fence, — that there is no more risk of the 
failure of good plants, set with ordinary cai*e, 
than of so many grains of corn planted for 
a crop; and that the subsequent culture, includ- 
ing trimming, is scarcely more expensive than 
keeping up a wood fence of any kind, espe- 
cially if its durability be taken into account. 
And furthermore, if the hedge be properly 
trimmed, say to not more than four or five 
j feet high by twelve to eighteen inches thick , 
I have never yet perceived that it interferes 
with crops of any kind, or is a material draft 
upon the land. Such a hedge is impassable 
by stock or thieves. 

You say you have some little personal ex- 
perience, and cannot recommend it. What 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



229 



may be the amount and character of this ex- 
perience, is not known to me ; but my own has 
been of seven or eight years duration, and I 
can and do recommend it to all who will do 
justice to themselves and the plant, when they 
undertake to cultivate it, but to none others. 

As regards the Cherokee rose which you 
seem to prefer, I hav£ that and the Microphylla, 
a hardier variety of the same species, both 
of which were killed down to the ground in 
the winter of 1855-56 ; but not a twig of the 
Osage Orange, so far as I could find, ivas in- 
jured. It did, however, put up again from the 
roots. This rose, I believe, is a native of In- 
dia, as you have. said, and not of the U. 
S. It will unquestionably make a beautiful, 
but not, I think, a sufficient enclosure for 
farms in this climate. 

It has now been nine or ten years since I 
first saw the Osage 'Orange hedge in Pennsyl- 
vania, and impressed with its value and beauty 
as an enclosure, endeavored to introduce it 
here. The first plants sent to me nearly all 
failed, being quite too old. Subsequently, 
through the kindness of a friend, I obtained sup- 
plies of good seed, with instructions for propaga- 
ting ; and from the time the plants were large 
enough to set, so long as my circumstances 
permitted, I have been endeavoring not only 
to enclose with it entirely myself, but to bring 
it into notice and general use. I one year 
continued the planting until the first week in 
May, without the loss of three plants in one 
hundred. For the few past .years, necessity 
has compelled me to sell all my plants, and 
put it out of my power either to continue my 
own enclosures but to a very limited extent, or 
to give the attention I could wish to what is 
already set. Still, I have no gaps. Wher- 
ever good plants fail, and gaps consequently 
occur, it is from, want of proper care in plant- 
ing, and subsequent culture. The plant is 
wonderfully tenacious of life, unless it be too 
old, in which case the disruption of its pow- 
erful top root tends to destroy it. Plants of 
a year old are, according to my experience, 
the best. 

Failures, however, there have been, and the 
cause is so well accounted for in a letter which 
I received from a gentleman in Ohio, of the 
highest respectability, and great experience, 
that I will use the liberty of giving you an ex- 
tract from it. The whole is at your service if 
desired: — 

" It is most unfi rtunate that so few of those 
who have planted hedges, have grown them with 
anything like proper care, (culture and trim- 
ming.) Consequently a majority of the so- 
called hedges, are a burlesque on the name. 
Hence such articles appear as that of the Bos- 
ton Cultivator and Southern Planter ; and 
hence, too, a reaction has taken place in Ohio 
and further west, so that there is little de- 
mand for seeds or plants in comparison with 
former years.. And yet it is capable of de- 



monstration, that the Osage Orange will make 
a perfect hedge, if properly managed — is, in 
fact, the very best of all hedge plants ; and I 
have no doubt will eventually become the com- 
mon material for fencing, in most parts of the 
country." 

Respectfully your oVt s't, 

Wm. H. Richarson. 

Gen. Richardson, as will be seen above, 
thinks we have done the Osage Orange injustice 
as a hedge plant, in an account we gave of it, 
substantially extracted from the Boston Cul- 
tivator, at p. 71, of Feb. No. of this paper. 
We now give an extract from a letter of J. and 
W. Sigenor, of St. Louis county, Missouri, 
which we find in an account of the proceeding 
of a Hedge Convention, held in Illinois. The 
Valley Farmer, from which we take the ex- 
tract, has a full account of the convention and 
its proceedings. It seemed to be generally ad- 
mitted that the Osage Orange would make a 
fence there ; and the conditions of success are 
briefly and forcibly stated in Messrs. Sigenor's 
letter : 

" It is eight years since we set the first hedge 
on our farm. We have now. nine miles of line 
fence ; most of it was turned out at the age of 
three years, bnt some not till four years old. 
Our knowledge was very limited when we first 
commenced with it. We have managed some 
of it rather carelessly. We are satisfied from 
our experience now, that a large part of the 
hedges set in the States of Illinois, Indiana, 
and Ohio, where we have been, will prove 
worthless, for reasons to be inferred from rules 
of our own, which we never withhold from any 
who ask for them. And here they are: 1st. 
In the first place, the ground should be plowed 
twenty inches deep and ten feet wide. 2d. Great 
care should be taken in selecting the plants, 
to have them all of equal thrift and of uniform 
size, that they may grow all alike. 3d. They 
must be set in deep and firm, and never nearer 
together than fifteen inches, and in single row. 
4th. Deep plowing and regxdar and constant 
cultivation, sufficient to keep the ground clean, 
and promote the most rapid growth, must be 
attended to. 5th. Well established roots of 
two full years' growth should be formed be- 
fore a knife of any kind is put to them ; then 
cut to the giound clean. The next year cut 
to within six inches ; the next a foot high ; the 
next two and a half feet ; the next three and 
a half feet, and the fence is perfect. [Six or 
seven years for a perfect fence ! — Ed. S. P.] 

" We have made our best hedge by cutting 
back to the ground after it Was four years old. 
We have another mile- which does not please 
us as it is, and shall cut it also the same way 
this winter." 



230 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



Add to these that the lands in which this 
plant is used are very rich, and are so bare of 
timber, that a dead fence of any kind is very 
expensive ; that they are visited every winter 
by as severe gales as " the wind-swept Orea- 
des," whose effect will be greatly mitigated by 
hedges of any kind ; and the reader will thus 
be enabled to judge for himself, how far it 
will meet his views of economy, shelter, and 
taste to have a hedge. Professor Turner prom- 
ises a letter on the same subject for the next 
number of the Valley Farmer. 

By the way, the rose we spoke of as being 
suitable, in our opinion, to answer some of the 
purposes of a hedge, has been killed down to 
the roots by the cold of the past winter. 

, 1 «- m m > 

For the Southern Planter. 

Mr. Editor : — I have intended for some 
time to address you an article of no little in- 
terest to the citizens of Richmond, and of vi- 
tal importance to many of the most substan- 
tial farmers of this State, and more particu- 
larly to the valley and mountain region. 

I allude to the cattle trade of our State, 
many of which are sold in Richmond ; and 
could the trade of your place be so regulated 
that sales of beef cattle would be more uni- 
form, I doubt not many of our fine cattle, which 
are now driven to Baltimore, would be dis- 
posed of in your market. As the matter now 
stands, a few of our prominent graziers are 
well paid, while the mass of smaller dealers, 
if they happen to meet a tight market, are 
literally skinned. 

My object in writing, is not to point out a 
remedy, but simply to call the attention of 
cattle dealers and graziers to the subject. Let 
them call a convention, to meet say, at the 
next Agricultural Fair, in Richmond, where 
the matter can be discussed, and such steps 
taken as will remedy some of the evils under 
which we now labor. 

You have ample capital in your city to es- 
tablish packing houses ; and why should beef 
not be as cheaply packed in Richmond as else- 
where ? This would have a tendency to keep 
a more open market, and, as a consequence, 
more uniform prices. As matters now stand, 
one or two hundred beeves will glut your mar- 
ket, and the grazier must either lay over a 
week or two, and feed his cattle at a heavy ex- 
pense, or sell at a loss. 

The charges for selling and weighing cattle 
are, I think, too high ; one hundred head of 
cattle can be weighed in an hour ; the charge 
is $30, if they average 1000 lbs. The Weigh- 
master has nothing to do but adjust his scale, 
and sing out, " Lot No. 1,-10 beeves,— 10,000 
pounds," and note the same in his book. Oc- 
casionally a certificate of weight is called for, 



if the parties are not all present. With re- 
gard to the charge for selling cattle, I will 
here append a bill, verbatim, (omiting the 
name of Agent,) of my own experience during 
the last winter. 

I will premise by saying, I met a tight mar- 
ket ; I waited on the Agent, who informed 
me I must remain in the country four days be- 
fore coming to market. I did so ; drove in 
my cattle the day appointed, not one of which 
were sold. The Agent directed me to drive 
back in the country, and hold on for further 
orders. The first part of the injunction I obey- 
ed ; but as I had been paying $15 to $20 daily 
expense, I concluded to try and sell my- 
self. Brought in half my lot the next day 
and sold them ; next day sold half of what re- 
mained. Met the Agent on the street ; told 
him what I had been doing. He appeared 
pleased; said he felt interested for me, and 
thought he could help me out, if I would bring 
in another lot. I did so ; the Agent got a 
butcher to top them. Said he had an order 
from Hampton for eight, but took nine at $7 
nett. Nothing said about money ; I expected 
it, of course. The bill will show how much I 
got, and how very disinterested this- Agent 
was. I will not give the name of this man, 
but I gave him to understand, very plainly, 
that he was done selling cattle for me : 



HENRY B. JONES, ESQ. 

Nine Cattle, 
9 at $3 50 ; weighed 9270 lbs. 
Weighing, $2 78 

Feeding, 1 12 

Expenses to Hampton, 5 00 

Guarantee, 3 24 

Commission, 9 00 



$324 45 



$21 14 



$303 31 
Cash, . $3 31 

Acceptance 30 days, 100 00 

Acceptance 60 days, 200 00 

$303 31 
Richmond, Va., Dec. 19th, 1856. 

Now, my dear sirs, the charge of one dollar per 
head commission and weighing, is well enough, 
but if I sell for cash I do not need guarentee, ex- 
pense in feed, &c. Indeed, after getting this 
Agent's acceptance, if I go to the Bank for the 
money, I must first endorse the check before 
I can draw it ; thus guaranteeing again ; and 
if the other parties fail, I am finally bound 
to refund. At least, I so view the matter. 

I am told you have many wealthy and highly 
respectable men in the cattle trade at Rich- 
mond. They should take a stand to build up 
the beef market. Many of our best cattle 
now pass on to Baltimore, which should go to 
Richmond — and would go there, if the proper 
inducements were held out. I hope the butch- 
ers, as well as the graziers, will come to un- 
derstand their interests better. I am but a 
small dealer, but trust some one will take 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



231 



hold of this subject that will treat it as it de- 
serves. H. B. Jones. 

[N. B. — I find out on my lot of sixty-four 
beeves, some $200 for feed in eight or nine 
days, which would have been a fair profit, 
could I have sold promptly. 

I see Messrs Crawford & Robertson, of Au- 
gusta county, have lately located at Bacon 
Quarter ; and I hope, as there is now respecta- 
ble opposition in the trade, that the graziers 
and cattle dealers will get on better. H. B. J.] 

Albemarle, March 10th, 1857. 
To the Editor of the Southern Planter. 

Dear Sir : — The last Nos. of the Planter con- 
tain several curious, and interesting articles 
upon the subject of the Oat crop ; and an inti- 
mation from the Editors that they would like to 
have the experience of others upon that subject 
for publication. I am consequently induced to 
give mine. 

I have been a cultivator of oats in a limited 
way for half a century, and have been thor- 
oughly satisfied of their tendency to exhaust 
lands, until very recently : and, although your 
late publications upon the subject have pro- 
duced some doubt, they have not satisfied me of 
the error of my preconceived opinions. Now 
for my practice and observation in regard to 
the oat crop. 

It was once my practice to sow a portion of 
the field intended for wheat fallow, in oats, in 
the month of February, (the best time for a 
good crop if the land is in order,) to facilitate 
the summer fallowing for wheat ; this I per- 
sisted in, until it became evident that the oat 
fallow produced less wheat tho' on land equally 
as good, if not better, than the contiguous por- 
tion of the field. 'Tis true the oat crop deprived 
the wheat of a growth of clover, so desirable in 
a summer fallow : but Messrs. Editors, I am 
very reluctant to recognise exceptions to the 
general rule ; that all spring crops or such as 
mature the following summer; and root superfi- 
cially, are, (other things being equal) more ex- 
hausting than crops which require a longer 
time to mature, and consequently derive more 
from the fractifying and fertilizing qualities of 
the atmosphere. And here I quote John Tay- 
lor of Caroline as authority, and notwithstand- 
ing the progress made in agriculture since the 
publication of his "Arrator," he should be ad- 
mitted as high authority. 

I have never cultivated the oat crop with the 
expectation of making sale of it in any form 
whatever. For feeding horses, to some extent 
I regard it as very valuable — for horses or oxen 
not kept at hard labor, it may supercede the 
use of other grain, after passing the sheaves 
through the cutting box ; and the grain, mixed 
with corn in the proportion of two to one of 
corn, ground fine , I consider the best food I 
ever gave stock ol any kind ; not only suffi- 
ciently nutritious, but the corn acting as an as- 
tringent, the laxative quality of the oats is cor- 



rected, and the animal is preserved in good 
health. This mixture should be stirred in 
double its bulk of chaff or cut straw, and never 
wetted. As much foddering or straw (not oat- 
straw) as you please fur distension. Excuse 
the digression. It is my habit to avoid a recur- 
rence to things, which if not incidental, may, 
without interuption to the reader, be noticed as 
we go along. If lands will bear a repetition of 
the oat crop, annually for a series of years 
without deterioration, (and we have in the 
Planter authority for it not to be disregarded,) 
for hogs alone, I should not hesitate to make 
the experiment, and will set about it this spring 
by sowing 12 to 15 acres, to be annually re- 
sowed, for their benefit. By the way, the prac- 
tice of gleaning stubble fields with hogs, I have 
long considered the most expensive way of 
feeding them where clover and other grasses 
are intended to follow the grain crop. The in- 
jury done to the young grasses, to say nothing 
of the filling up of ditches, furrows &c, more 
than balances the benefit to the hogs. In my 
experiment, the straw will not be removed from 
the land, and the result reported for five or six 
years if I live as long, or by another at my re- 
quest. If it succeeds, I consider it the most 
economical mode of preparing hogs for the fat- 
tening pen. " Three score and Ten." 



For the Southern Planter. 

TO PUT A HEAVY LOG ON A WAGON 
WITHOUT TAKING OFF ITS WHEELS. 

Place a piece of timber, from four to eight 
inches in diameter, parallel with the wheels, 
and&s near them as possible, one end resting 
on the front, and the other end on the hind 
axle of the wagon. Then place two strong 
skids, the one with its butt passing through the 
spokes of the force, and the other through those 
of the hind wheel, and resting on the piece of 
timber which has been placed lengthwise in 
the wagon. 

Roll the log up on the skids until it is stopp- 
ed by the wheels ; support it in this position 
while one or two hands raise its front end with 
a stroiig hand-stick, just enough to allow the 
front skids to be taken out, and placed between 
the fore and hind wheels, under the log, or sup- 
porting it as near its centre of gravity as possi- 
ble. The butt of this skid will, of course, rest 
on the piece of timber placed lengthwise in the 
wagon.) Then some of the hands, by bearing 
down on the front end of the log, can easily 
raise the hind end above the hind wheel, while 
the other hands can push it over and let it down 
gently upon the hind axle of the wagon. All 
hands, then, together can, without difficulty, 
raise the front end of the log over over the four 
wheel or into the wagon. 

This plan was "conjured up," by Tom, "be- 
cause he was in a hurry, when I had sent him 
and a few other hands to put a large stock upon 
the wagon late one evening." T. A. N. 

Pr. Edward Co., March 14, 1857. 



232 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 




EMPEROR : 

IMPORTED AND OWNED BY WM. C. RIVES, ESQ.' 
CASTLE-HILL, VIRGINIA. 

Emperor is of a breed of horses, Cleveland 
Bays, which have been celebrated in England 
for their su perior elegance and usefulness for 
more than a century past, and, of late years, 
have been much improved by cultivation and 
careful breeding. He was bought in 1852, 
when a year old, by Mr. Rives from the French 
government, which had imported both sire and 
dam from England for the improvement of the 
native stock of horses in France. The amelio- 
ration of the race of horses in that country be- 
ing a branch of the public administration, no 
expense or pains are spared in obtaining from 
other countries, and especially from Great Bri- 



tain, the very best specimens of the best breeds 
for crossing upon their own stock. The sire 
and the dam of Emperor were selected with 
great care in England through the personal 
services and judgment of the French Inspector- 
General of Agriculture, being both pure Cleve- 
lands of the improved breed, as their pedigrees 
attest, and were placed at the National Haras 
of Versailles, where Emperor was foaled the 
15th day of March 1851. 

He is, therefore, now just six years of age. 
He is a deep rich bay, with black legs, and no 
white except a small natural spot where the 
saddle mark usually appears, standing about 
sixteen and a half hands high, distinguished 
by great symmetry of form and grandeur of 
appearance, splendid action as well as immense 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



233 



power, and perfect docility of temper. He has 
received three first prizes, in different classes, 
from the Virginia State Agricultural Society ; 
and at the last Annual Fair of the Society, 
though as yet but imperfectly trained, beat 
with great ease, in a contest of speed in har- 
ness, all the horses that were matched against 
him, and among them two Northern horses that 
had acquired much reputation as fast trotters. 

The accompanying engraving is from an 
elaborate and excellent portrait of Emperor, 
executed in oil by an eminent artist. It pre- 
sents at once to the eye of the experienced 
judge in the slanting shoulder, high withers, 
deep capacious chest, powerful arm and knee, 
muscular loins and quarter, length of lever be- 
tween the hip and hock, and the perfect form 
and position of the latter, together with the 
clean, sinewy, bony limbs and well-proportion- 
ed feet, a combination of points w r hich make 
him, of necessity, a great goer; and it is confi- 
dent! y believed that there is no horse of his 
size and age in America that can compete with 
him in trotting speed, or the squareness and 
ease, as well as rapidity, of his movement. — 
The rotundity of his figure, as represented in 
the engraving, is the result of natural struc- 
ture — particularly in the ribbing of his barrel, 
and of his muscular development, and not of 
condition, for he was in reduced working order 
when his portrait was taken. The compact 
shape of his back shows that he is master of 
any weight, while his tapering arched neck, 
and light, lean and lofty head, impart to him 
superior style and a commanding air. His fine 
constitution keeps him at all times in perfect 
health, and gives him a faculty of endurance 
as remarkable as his speed. 

His colts have attracted great admiration ; 
and their uniform and marked resemblance to 
himself and to one another, exemplified strik- 
ingly in their invariable bay color, whatever be 
that of the dam, proves that he possesses, in a 
superior degree, the power of transmitting his 
qualities to his offspring — the natural and well- 
understood result of the unmixed purity of his 
blood, and of the antiquity of his race. The 
great desideratum in the improvement of our 
American breeds of Horses, so as to qualify 
them alike for elegant and useful purposes, is 
to unite strength with action, power with speed, 
endurance with spirit, efficient service with fine 
form and appearance ; and it is believed that 
no means of supplying this desideratum has 
yet been offered to the country of so practical 
a character, and such certain success, as the 
employment of a horse of the qualities, strain 
and race of the one described. 

The following extracts of a letter from M. de 
Ste. Marie, Inspector-General of agriculture in 
France, respecting the sire and dam of Empe- 
ror, with the official statement of his Pedigree 
under the authority of the Department of Ag- 
riculture ajid Commerce, are annexed as inter- 
esting and authentic vouchers : 



" Paris, May 14, 1852. 

" I bought Cleveland, sire of your colt, frpm 
Mr. J. Shaw, residing at Acomb Hall, near York. 
He was then four year sold, and warranted 
pure Cleveland. Mr. Shaw is one of the great- 
est dealers in horses for the stud in Yorkshire, 
particularly coaching horses. It was he that 
sold t me Rubens, whom you saw at Versailles, 
the first prize of the Royal Agricultural Socie- 
ty of England." 

" I purchased Georgette, dam of your colt, 
from Mr. George Burton, who resides at Wa- 
ter-Fulford, also in the neighborhood at York. 
She was winner of a first prize at the Show at 
Naburn in 1848, and had at her side, when I 
bought her in Sept'r 1849, a colt 6 months old, 
for which the owner asked one hundred guineas. 
Mr. George Burton is brother and neighbor of 
Mr. William Burton, a celebrated breeder of 
fine horses living in the environs of York, own- 
er of Rimplion, and of whom I bought Caligu- 
la, one of the stallions at Versailles. 

" I sincerely hope the colt you have bought 
of us will succeed in your hands. He will, I 
am sure, receive from you the care and atten- 
tion of which he is worthy. 

"His sire has been exercised in harness at 
Versailles for two years. He has perfect ac- 
tion. His temper is docile. He never tires, 
and no weight discourages him. 

"(Signed,) 

"L'Inspecteur-General de 1' Agriculture, 
"Lefebvre de Sainte Marie." 

Pedigree. — " Emperor was got by Cleveland 
out of Georgette, both of the pure Cleveland 
stock. Cleveland was by Master George, dam 
by Barnaby— Georgette by Alexander, dam by 
Golden Hero. Georgette is the mother of seve- 
ral stallions sold in England at very high pri- 
ces." 

The colt she had at her side, at the time of 
her purchase by M. de Ste. Marie in Septem- 
ber 1849, was afterwards bought by the Span- 
ish Government. 

Albemarle Co., Va„ March 1857. 



DISTILLATION OF THE BEET. 

We see it stated in our last English pa- 
pers, that over $10,000,000 in value of 
beet-root spirits were distilled in France 
the last year, while the amount in 1853, 
was only $100,000 — thus showing* the en- 
tire success of the business. This suc- 
cess has induced the excise commissioners 
of England, to establish an experimental 
beet-root distillery, which is now in ope- 
ration in Farningham in Kent, and which 
promises to equal the expectations which 
have been excited in regard to it. 



234 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



iDrtitalfuml ifjiartmrat 



E. G. EGGEIING, Contributor. 



DWARF PEARS AND OTHER PEARS. 

The indifference manifested towards raising 
pears in Virginia, seems surprising to one' who 
knows the attenti m and care bestowed upon 
this fruit, in some sections of this country, and 
in other lands. While men in England and 
France devote their lives to the rearing of the 
best pears, and while in some of the States of 
this country they form a staple product of the 
orchard, in this State they are the least cared 
for of all fruits. That it does not arise from 
any undervaluation of the fruit itself we are 
well assured, as no man that has tasted a 
choice pear could fail to rank it among the best 
gifts of ever bountiful Nature. The true secret 
is disclosed in an answer which is often given 
when we ask a farmer if he would like to 
have a pear tree : " Why should I buy and 
plant pears, when I shall be dead long before 
the trees bear. No, no, I want something that 
will give me some reward for my labour during 
my own life." And so the good man goes his 
way, with apples, peaches; and cherries, and 
will have nothing to do with pears. 

It is, perhaps, unfashionable to talk of plant- 
ing for posterity, in these days when we travel 
by steam and talk with lightning ; but we 
would put in a plea for those who are to come 
after us, and ask the farmers, whether they do 
not owe it to their children, and children's 
children, to devote some little attention to the 
cultivation of some of the choicest varieties of 
our six or seven hundred pears? Will they be 
held in less grateful remembrance by their suc- 
cessors, should they leave an orchard of this 
delicious fruit, to be gathered by other hands, 
when their's are cold in the grave ? Is it noth- 
ing worth to them, that it will be said or sung 
in coming days, 

" 'Twas mj forefather's hand 
That placed it near his cot." 

as the golden fruitage is plucked from the 
bending boughs? Surely the man of generous 
soul and noble impulses will find in such con- 
siderations an incentive to plant for "unborn 
generations," however the mere utilitarian may 
despise and scorn them. 



The culture of the pear may, however, chal- 
lenge the attention even of such as merely 
plant to make money, and who care nothing 
for the comfort of their children. They are 
no longer compelled to wait a lifetime for fruit 
from the pear-tree. A process has been dis- 
covered, and is now largely followed in France, 
England and in many parts of this country, by 
which pear trees are brought to bear much 
sooner, their productiveness much increased, 
and the quality of the fruit not affected or 
greatly improved. All these desirable and as- 
tonishing results are accomplished by grafting, 
or budding, the pear upon the quince stock. 
That the pear can be thus cultivated, and that 
the cultivation is attended with many advant- 
ages, is now well known to all fruit-growers in 
the country. 

The effect of grafting or budding the pear 
upon the quince, is to dwarf or stunt the tree, 
and hence trees raised by this process are called 
Dwarf Pears. The quince, as all know, is of 
much smaller growth than the pear, has shorter 
roots, feeds less upon the elements composing the 
soil, and so furnishes less sap than the pear 
stock, as any individual may ascertain for him- 
self by reversing the experiment and grafting 
the quince upon the pear, which will give a 
prodigious growth of wood and foliage, but no 
fruit, or no fruit for a long time. So effectually 
does this process dwarf the pear, that while it 
is not uncommon to find pears which were 
grafted or budded on pear-stocks attaining a 
height of thirty or forty feet, the ultimatim to 
which the pear on the quince attains, is from 
sixteen to twenty feet. 

It is this dwarfing or stunting the pear which 
causes it to produce fruit so quickly, that to 
one not familiar with the facts, it seems noth- 
ing short of marvellous. For instance, there 
is in the grounds of the writer a dwarf pear 
not twenty inches high, with eight or ten fruit 
buds upon it, and every probability that it will 
bear three or four pears this season, weighing, 
in the aggregate, thirty or forty ounces. A 
dwarf pear will bear in two years, and in four 
or five years will bear quite abundantly, which 
ought to satisfy the desires of the most im- 
patient, and certainly contrasts very strikingly 
with the growth and product of pears grafted 
or budded on pears. This effect of stunting or - 



THE SOUTIIEKN PLANTER. 



235 



dwarfing the pear tree, in order to get fruit, is 
no novelty with our farmers, though the par- 
ticular method to which we have alluded is. 
They practised it long ago in the case of vigor- 
ous, thrifty trees, which, year after year, added 
limb to limb and branch to branch, but pro- 
duced nothing save leaves. By partially gird- 
ling the tree, leaving a narrow strip of bark, 
the growth was stopped and it became fruitful. 
Or, as we have seen done, by girdling partially 
a single limb, that limb would become fruitful 
while all the others continued barren; and as the 
girdling cut off to some extent the supply of 
sap, and caused the tree or limb to bear, pre- 
cisely so is the result of grafting upon a quince. 
In case any of our readers have a pear tree 
which will not produce fruit, and are inclined 
to try the experiment of partially girdling it to 
make it fruitful, we advise them to perform the 
operation in the month of May, but must re- 
mind them not to girdle it entirely, as that will 
kill the tree. 

The Dwarf Pear, in the face of the most de- 
termined opposition, has gradually won its way 
into public favour, and nothing is needed to 
make it a great favorite but a proper know- 
ledge of its merits. It has been denounced as 
a humbug, upon very slender grounds, by per- 
sons who have been the victims of the mis- 
takes, ignorance, or carelessness of others. It 
is not every pear that will do well when bud- 
ded upon the quince, nor every quince that 
will answer as a stock upon which the pear 
may be budded, and it is the failure to know 
or observe these facts, which has led to nearly 
all the failures in this country to raise dwarf 
pears. Nurserymen tried to bud any pear on 
any of our ordinary quinces, and were as much 
surprised as others at their constant failures, 
until they discovered that in France only the 
quince, known as the Angeirs, was used for 
this purpose. That has been imported and is 
now used exclusively, and we hear no - longer 
of failures in the effort to raise dwarf pears, 
except where persons are experimenting with 
some variety of the pear, which will not grow 
on the quince stock. Experience, too, has cor- 
rected the other error into which nurserymen 
rushed, of attempting to raise every pear on 
the quince. That has been found to be im- 
practicable, but still a choice selection has been 



tried with eminent success. The following is 
a list of the pears, which the writer knows 
from his own observation and experience, thrive 
well when grafted or budded on the quince 
stock : Louise Bonne de Jersey, Vicar of Wink- 
field, Duchess de Angeloume, Glout Morceau, 
Passe Colmar, Urbaniste, Bartlett, Buerre Diel, 
Easter Beurre, Flemish Beauty, Doyenne 
Blanc, and Winter Nelis. There are doubtless 
many others, which will hereafter be added to 
the list, but these twelve will give us a pear 
season, beginning with the Bartlett, in the 
month of August and continuing until the 
month of March. This is, perhaps, all that 
could be desired. 

The failures which have occurred, and which 
have done so much to discredit the dwarf pear, 
are not wholly attributable to the mistakes of 
the nurserymen. The farmers, themselves, 
have been wrong. They, in some instances, 
forgot that the quince was only the root and 
no part of the pear tree, and in planting left 
the quince stock above the earth. This is a 
fatal error. The pear tree grows off vigor- 
ously and in a short time exceeds in size the 
quince stock ; then hide-bound succeeds and 
consequent barrenness, when the astute farmer 
curses dwarf pears as a swindle and humbug ; 
whereas the fault was not in the tree, but in 
the mode of planting. Now let it be remem- 
bered, that to succeed with dwarf pears, these 
conditions must be observed. The soil in 
which it is planted must be very rich and 
loamy, and where it is sandy it should be well 
mixed with clay. To ensure its being rich 
enough, work in with it a good supply of old, 
well-rotted stable manure ; and where that 
cannot be had, woods earth in sufficient 
quantity. Dig the hole deep enough to bury 
the tree up to its junction with the pear, and 
even burying the pear-wood two or three inches. 
The roots of the quince are small, and if the 
tree is put into the hole and the earth tumbled 
in without care, the roots will all be pressed 
together and matted so that they grow off 
slowly. To prevent that, shovel in a little earth 
and place the roots upon it, and then, as the 
hole is filled, continue to spread out the roots 
upon the layers of soil until all the roots are 
covered, which will ensure the roots their 
natural position, and then fill up with earth 



236 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



until the entire quince stock is buried as 
directed. This is all important to the welfare 
of the tree ; and whenever these directions are 
implicitly followed in planting, either of the 
twelve pears before specified, we can guarantee 
success as certain and infallible. 

The Dwarf Pear requires only such culti- 
vation as ought to be given to every fruit tree, 
though, like all other trees, the more attention 
it receives the better will it repay attention. 
The trees are the better for stirring the soil, 
with a fork or spade, to the depth of a few 
inches as asparagus beds are ^worked, taking 
care, however, not to go so deep as to cut or 
otherwise injure the roots. This is very simple 
and is all the work they require, except what 
is bestowed on training ; concerning which a 
few words. There is a grevious error in this 
respect practised hereabouts, which needs cor- 
rection. Better no training at all than inju- 
dicious training, and such is all that which 
cuts away all the lower limbs of the trees, 
especially pear trees. The other day we, saw 
an orchard of fine thrifty pear trees utterly 
ruined by the trimming off of every fruit-bear- 
ing limb and branch, and leaving only the 
water shoots, which were the only parts which 
should have been touched. The trees would 
have done better had they been left alone to 
grow as they listed, without the trainer's art to 
aid their development. The proper method 
for training the dwarf pear, is that which will 
give it a pyramidical form, as brought about 
by what is known in France as Quenonille 
training. The process is very simple, though 
rather difficult to explain without the aid of 
illustrative cuts which we are unable to ob- 
tain. ' The pear, budded, on the quince, grows 
perpendicularly, the first year, twenty inches 
to four feet, which, according to the training 
we would describe, must be cut away one 
half. At the point where the cut was made 
lateral branches will soon develope themselves, 
and form the future fruit-bearing branches of 
the tree. Another year the perpendicular 
growth is about the same or greater, which is 
to be again cut off, when other lateral branches 
show themselves at the point where the second 
cut was made, and thus the process continues 
until the tree attains a height of six or eight 
feet. The first steps in this process are begun 



in the nursery, where a depraved public 
opinion does not force the nurseryman to let 
the water-shoots remain uncut, as we know is 
sometimes the case. For. instance, we were 
told at Sinclair's Nursery, in Baltimore, the i 
other day, that they could not train their pears 
as they wished because the farmers will have* 
tall trees, a folly that is wholly inexcusable. 
This training will develope limbs and branches 
near the earth ; and then to complete the tree 
in the form desired, the lateral branches are to 
be cut from time to time, so that the bottom of 
the tree will spread out like the base of a pyra- 
mid, gradually sloping up to the topmost 
branch, like the sides of a pyramid. This cut- 
ting of the lateral branches will bring out fruit- 
bearing twigs, or branches, upon the main 
limbs, close to the body of the tree, where a 
better support can be obtained for the large, 
heavy fruit produced, a most important and de- 
sirable consummation, make the tree compact 
and strong, and materially aid in hastening its 
productiveness, and tend to improve the char- 
acter, quality and quantity of the fruit, while 
the tree is far more ornamental than those 
naked bare trunks which deform and disgrace 
Virginia orchards and gardens. 

One of the advantages of having dwarf pear 
trees thus trained** is the facility, with which 
a large number may be planted in a small 
space. A distance of six feet, from tree to 
tree, is ample with these trees, whereas the 
ordinary pear cannot be planted closer than 
twenty to thirty feet, and then they shade the 
land so that it cannot be tilled ; whereas, be- j 
tween dwarf pears, by having the soil rich, 
you secure an excellent spot for lettuce and 
some other vegetables. The size of the tree 
commends it for the garden, a square of which 
may well be spared to this object, and there 
they would secure the attention of the mistress 
of the farm and be preserved from all those ac- 
cidents to which trees are liable in the orchard. 

That the dwarf pear, under these conditions, 
will be more productive and consequently more 
profitable, seems to us scarcely to admit of a 
question. Each tree will yield", at maturity, 
from two to four bushels of fruit, and when 
the number of trees which may be put in an 
acre of ground is considered, the product is 
seen to be prodigious. 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



237 



The only well-founded objection to the dwarf 
pear, which we have seen, is that the budding 
)r grafting on the quince lessens the longevity 
)f the tree. This is probably correct. It is 
lighly probable that the dwarf pear will not 
endure for centuries, as we know that the pear 
grafted or budded on the pear does. But the 
:lwarf pear is not so short-lived as some sup- 
pose. Robert Buist, of Philadelphia, one of 
the oldest and most successful men in the 
30untry, writes from France, " I was much 
interested to know the age of the oldest pear 
tree that was on the quince stock, and was 
gratified to be shown a lot reputed to be one 
hundred years old. I, therefore, noted it 
down that the quince stock did not impair the 
longevity of the pear." Other evidence to the 
same effect might be adduced, but this will suf- 
fice to convince every one that dwarf pears at- 
tain a good old age, even though the longevity 
Df the pear be somewhat shortened by the 
quince stock. 

A few words on the profits of dwarf pear 
cultivation, for the especial benefit of the utili- 
tarians. That it is profitable, we might readily 
infer from the universality of its culture in 
France, England, and in the Northern States 
of this Union. Our Northern friends would 
have abandoned it long ago, had there been no 
money in it, and yet they go into it more and 
more every year. Why they do so, will be 
readily understood by any one who has visited 
the fruit stores of New York, or Philadelphia, 
and seen the pears, weighing from ten to 
eighteen ounces, selling at prices ranging from 
fifty cents to two dollars a piece. Some idea 
of the profits of this culture may be gleaned 
from the fact that Mr. Rivers, the celebrated 
English cultivator, has two thousand five hund- 
red trees of one variety, and one thousand five 
hundred of another, which he cultivates ex- 
clusively for the London market. He has more 
than three hundred trees to the acre. There 
is in Virginia, it may be objected, no such 
market as New York or London, but we doubt 
if the objection is correct. Any of our cities 
or towns would furnish a market for the best 
pears; and the watering-places, for the sum- 
mer varieties, would afford a market without a 
rival in the world. 

In order to have pears keep well, they should 



be gathered before they are fully ripe. It im- 
proves the flavour, and they are much more 
likely to keep well when ripened in the house. 
To keep through the winter, pears should be 
gathered by the hand and then packed in 
boxes, or barrels, with thin layers of well- 
dried oat or wheat-straw between the fruit, and 
the boxes put away in a dry, moderately cool 
place. By pursuing this plan, Mr. Wilder, of* 
Massachusetts, has preserved pears through 
the winter, and until April or May. At a 
future day, we shall devote an article specially 
to this topic of preserving fruits. 

While we thus plead for the culture of the 
dwarf pear, we would not discourage the 
culture of the pear budded or grafted upon the 
pear stock. By all means let both be culti- 
vated. The former for direct and immediate 
results, the latter for the future. The fruit of 
the former may be eaten by the generation now 
living, the other will be reaped by the genera- 
tions to live hereafter. While we give due at- 
tention to the one let us not forget the other. 
Both are good, and if we have discoursed of 
one more than of the other, it is because it is 
less known to the people at large, and meets 
objections which have been made to the other. 
Another reason for writing so much about 
dwarf pears at this time, is that there are 
many orders in the hands of nurserymen here 
which could not be filled, but which will be 
supplied next fall, and we thought that these 
hints might prove serviceable to those who are 
entering upon this branch of production. 

And, in addition, we hoped to arouse an 
unwonted interest in the culture of pears, be- 
cause the climate and soil of Piedmont, of the 
Yalley, and of many parts of Trans-Alleghany 
Virginia is admirably adapted to their culture. 
They will not succeed so well near the sea- 
shore, because there they are extremely liable 
to a disease known as the blight; which, as its 
name imports, is very fatal to the tree. In the 
other parts of the State, pears may be, and 
ought to be, successfully cultivated, and if our 
farmers will do what they can, our State will, 
in a few years, grow the finest pears in the 
country. So may it be. 



• SALT FOR ASPARAGUS. 

Asparagus is very much improved by an ap- 
plication of salt as a top-dressing. The plant 



238 



THE SOUTHEEN PLAjNTER 



feeds on it to a considerable extent, but what 
is perhaps the chief benefit, the saline particles 
mixing with the earth of the beds, keep it 
moist, a most important consummation. Old 
fish salt, which can be procured of almost any 
retail grocer, at a small cost, will answer for 
this purpose as well as any other, but it will 
pay well to buy coarse alum salt, where the 
other and cheaper cannot be procured. Any 
person can satisfy himself of the economy of 
this application by trying it. 



CUTTING ASPARAGUS. 

During the month of April, the Asparagus 
begins to come forward, and we take time by 
the forelock to give some hints concerning the 
proper mode of cutting. None should be cut 
from a plantation until it is three years old, 
and from those only the larger stalks. — 
In cutting from old plantations care must be 
taken not to cut too deep. In general the stalk 
should be cut off two or three inches above the 
crown of the root. Othenvise, it often happens 
that, the buds upon the crown of the root, 
which are to furnish the future supplies of 
stalks, are much injured, if not entirely de- 
stroyed. 



MANGEL WURZEL AND SUGAR BEETS. 

These beets are cultivated for cattle and not 
for table use. To be cultivated, to advantage, 
they must be put on very rich, light land, and if 
the farmer has not such land for them, he had 
better leave them alone altogether. If he has 
such land, then let him plant as early as con- 
venient in April, in rows not less than two feet 
apart, so that they can be worked with the 
plough. When they come up and have grown 
to be six or eight inches high they require to 
be thinned, so as to stand about ten inches 
apart, or even more widely; and while thus 
thinning them, those that are removed can be 
used to supply vacancies, caused by the failure 
of seed to germinate. In some parts of the 
country these roots form a staple crop, and are 
highly valued as food for all kinds of cattle. 



TRANSPLANTING CABBAGE. 

Often when cabbage plants are removed from 
the beds where they were raised to the garden 
square, a large portion die, and in a few days 



the gardener must re-set the square with other 
plants, and this has occurred so frequently that 
most persons have concluded that it is inevi- 
table. Many will doubt when we tell them 
that it is wholly their fault that every plant 
does not live. Yet such is the fact. It results 
from two errors which are easily avoided. One 
is that in drawing the plants the roots are bro- 
ken and the other from keeping out of the 
ground too long, until it becomes more or less 
dry. The gardener instead of having the land 
prepared fully before he takes up the plant and 
going through the whole process of drawing 
and planting in a few minutes, often draws the 
plants, then lays off the ground, and then drops 
every plant where it is to be put, before he be- 
gins to set the first one, and by the time he gets 
to the last they are hopelessly injured. Some- 
times, we have seen such instances, the plants 
are lying thus on the ground exposed to the 
heat of the sun for hours, before they are plan- 
ted. If they grew afterwards it would be very 
wonderful. 

The plan which we have pursued for many 
years seems to us to be far more reasonable, 
and certainly is much more successful than 
that usually followed in this region. We pre- 
pare the land thoroughly first of all, and then 
lay it off before a plant is drawn from the bed. 
Some hours before the plants are drawn, water 
is applied freely to the beds in which the plants 
are growing to soften the earth, so that the 
plants can be taken, without breaking the roots. 
The plants are then carefully drawn, and taken 
at once to the spots where they are to be plant- 
ed. There meantime, a mud puddle has been 
made, by scraping away the soil, and pouring 
down water, and mixing soil therewith until a 
tolerably thick mud has been formed, into which 
the root of each plant is immersed. A consid- 
erable portion of mud will adhere to the root, 
and then as quickly as possible they are plant- 
ed. The result of this mode of planting is, 
that a plant rarely ever fails to grow off at once 
and flourish vigorously, and unless the worms 
or insects attack the plants, we never have oc- 
casion to re-set cabbage plants. 



WATCH THE WEEDS. 

No gardener can hope to succeed very well 
in raising vegetables, who does not strive con- 
stantly to keep his plants clear of weeds. They 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



230 



spring most luxuriantly in the rich soil of the 
garden, and Tvhere they are aliuwed to grow, 
soon get ahead of the vegetables, draw so large- 
ly upon the soil as to starve the useful plants 
and impede their growth. They are easily kept 
under and destroyed if attacked when they first 
appear, but when they have attained some age 
it is not so easy to get rid of them. Yet the 
alternative is no weeds and excellent vegeta- 
bles, or weeds and puny, sickly vegetables, and 
between these the gardener must make his 
election. Which is to be preferred ? 



FARMER GRIPE AND THE FLOWERS. 

Farmer Gripe does'nt like flowers, at least 
none but the blossoms in his orchards, the 
bloom on his cereals, and those of his cotton 
and tobacco. These are not flowers in his esti- 
mation, for all flowers are trash, worth noth- 
ing, intolerable nuisances, hateful excresences 
springing from the soil. Roses, violets, pinks, 
verbenas, geraniums, dahlias, lilies, tulips, 
bachelor's buttons, honeysuckles, jessamines, 
hyacinths, and the whole of Flora's treasures, 
Gripe would exterminate if he could, and leave 
nothing on the face of the earth but grasses, 
grains, fruit trees, and weeds which would suit 
for grazing, or serve to enrich the land. It 
worries him to hear of flowers, he wonders how 
people can be such fools as to spend t so much 
time and money in their cultivation; and he 
has nearly made up his mind that he will have 
nothing more to do with the Planter, if it pub- 
lishes any more nonsense on this topic. It is 
wasting space which could be filled with useful 
reading, Gripe thinks, and then it makes his 
wife and daughters worry him for a hand to 
work a flower-garden. Now anything else he 
could bear. If they wanted to raise gourds, 
or pumpkins, or potatoes, he could grant their 
petition, but 'tis too much for human nature to 
bear, that they should be talking of having a 
flower-garden. Gripe thinks so, and acted 
very rudely about the matter when it was 
pleasantly hinted to him, terrifying his poor 
wife, and shocking his fair daughters. Such 
anger is rarely seen without the walls of a 
mad-house ; and after scolding for half an 
hour Gripe stalked away out of the house, 
and as he passed on to his cornfield, trod down 
the butter-cups, bruised the daises, beat off 
with 



which hung near the path, and inwardly cursed 
all the beautiful and fragrant blossoms which 
God has scattered over the face of the ea/th. 
Ah ! Gripe, thy heart is far from the good and 
right way, when thou art thus envious of the 
sweet-smelling blossoms ! 

Flowers have their uses Gripe, whatever thou 
thinkest of them, for the good Father hath 
made nothing in vain, hath created naught 
that thou mayest despise. There was. a time 
when thy soul was purer than now, when the 
flowers were fair and pleasant in thy sight, and 
when thou lovedst to look upon their bright 
hues and inhale the grateful fragrance which 
they cast upon the passing winds. Thou 
art changed, though the flowers remain the 
same, and to thy conscience comes the question, 
whether thou hast changed for the better. It 
were better for thee that thou hadst not ceased 
to love the flowers, rather than to have grown 
cold and selfish, and mercenary as thou art 
now. It were better for thee oftener to hold 
communion with the flowers, that thy thoughts 
might the oftener be lifted from earth and fixed 
on heaven, where grow the flowers that never 
wither. These gentle monitors would teach 
thee many a lesson, which thou shouldst have 
learned long ago, of the heavenly Father, of 
thy dependence, and of the transitoriness of all 
earth-born things, and of the nobler part of 
thy nature, which is famishing while thou art 
busy with growing crops and getting gain. 
Go out among the flowers Gripe, and think of 
the innocent days of thy youth, when all bright 
and fair forms of earth were sources of plea- 
sure, and trace the changes that have passed 
over thy spirit, and perchance thou wilt return 
to thy home a wiser and a better man. Go out 
among the flowers. 

HOW TO PLANT FLOWERS. 

It is the practice of many persons who culti- 
vate flowers, to plant together in the same bed, 
a variety of plants producing dissimilar blos- 
soms. Where this is done, with a studious re- 
gard to the contrasts of colour, a very fine ef- 
fect may be produced, if the plants be not too 
much crowded. This is rarely the object, per- 
sons for the most parts giving into this arrange- 
ment solely to economise space. That is desir- 
able in towns and cities perhaps, where ground 
is scarce and worth large sums of monej* . It 
ought not to have much weight with persons 



240 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



living on farms, and it is for such that we cater 
chiefly. Such we earnestly advise to put each 
variety in a distinct and separate bed, roses in 
one, verbenas in another, pinks in another, vio- 
lets in another, and so on with all the rest, in- 
stead of planting all promiscuously in one bed 
where neither has a fair chance of exhibiting 
its beauties. What can be more beautiful than 
a bed of scarlet verbena ? What more enchant- 
ing than a bed of meek-eyed, fragrant violets? 
What more gorgeous than a bed of rich hued 
roses ? What charms the senses more than a 
bed of mignoinette? And how much is the 
beauty of each variety enhanced and its attrac- 
tiveness increased by this mode of cultivation ? 
It is the only method which will afford the 
highest enjoyment which can be derived from 
the culture of flowers, and sure we are that no 
person who tries this plan will ever consent to 
follow the other. However, if the other must 
be pursued, let there be some care taken to ar- 
range the plants so that the best effects may be 
produced from contrasts of colour. Ladies 
know how important this is in dress, and we 
can assure them that it is not less important 
in the arrangement of their flower beds. 



should be taken up and divided into small 
pieces, and then roplanted. They do not thrive 
well when this is neglected. They are gross- 
feeders and should be planted in an extremely 
rich soil. April is the month for planting them. 



ANNUALS, BIANNUALS AND PEREN- 
NIALS. 
The month of April is the proper time for 
sowing all annual, biannual and perennial flow- 
er seed. These terms embrace a very large 
and very well known class of plants, such as 
China Asters, Mignoinette, Larkspur, Venus 
Looking Glass, and others too numerous for 
mention. Many of these varieties sow them- 
selves, by which we mean the plant scatters 
its seed in the soil without human intervention. 
Whenever this is the case, it is advisable to 
give these seeds thus sown by the plants suffi- 
cient time to germinate, as they produce much 
better flowers than those obtained from the seed 
store, or saved by the gardener. Persons often 
destroy these by spading up the flower plat too 
early. Mignoinette has to be resown always, 
as the seeds are tender and rarely survive the 
extreme cold of the winter, and it is so delight- 
ful that no person who pretends to cultivate 
flowers at all, should be without it. 



CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
Every other year the Chrysanthemums 



DAHLIAS. 

This beautiful class of plants has always 
been a favorite and well deserves its repute, and 
ought to be planted part now for early flowers, 
and others later in the year for late flowers. — 
By a little judicious management they can be 
kept blooming throughout a considerable part 
of the year. 

Some persons fail to raise dahlias for want 
of a little information as to the mode of divid- 
ing them. Attached to the root, or more prop- 
erly to the bottom of the stalk, are tubers like 
those of the potato. Sometimes ignorant per- 
sons cut off these tubers and plant them, and 
are surprised that they do not grow. . The er- 
ror lies here ; the tubers it will be observed, are 
joined to the stalk by aneck, much smaller than 
the tubers. It is that neck which produces the 
plant and not the tubers. Now in dividing for 
planting, the neck may be cut into as many 
peices as there are sprouts upon it, and wher- 
ever a peice with a sprout attached is properly 
planted, a dahlia will be produced. The dah- 
lia kept in a moderately warm place, will sprout 
just as the potato does, and when this sprout- 
ing has taken place there can be no difficulty 
in dividing them as we have directed. 



VERBENAS. 

Of all the summer flowering plants these are 
perhaps the most grateful. They are pretty, 
and some Rave a most delicious odour. There 
are, in all, # about twenty species, all of which 
flourish in the open air. The}- are, however, 
too well known to need description. They 
should be planted in April. They flourish well 
in a light, loamy soil, and there is nothing more 
delightful than a bed of verbenas in full bloom. 



MULTUM IN PARVO. 

Evergreens, roses, and box edging may be 
planted after the 1st of April, and towards the 
last of the month, Tube Roses and Geraniums. 
Lawns ought to be rolled and borders frequent- 
ly worked with the hoe or fork, taking care, 
however, not to injure or disturb any bulbous 
roots or flower seeds. . 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



241 



SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS, 

AND 

RUX.ES AND REGUX.4TXONS, 

FOR THE 

FIFTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION 

OF THE • 

VA. STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, 

TO BE HELD AT RICHMOND 

ON THE 

27th, 28th, 29th and 30th October, 185T. 



PREMIUMS. 
BRANCH I. 

Premiums of First Grade of Experiments. 

1 to 5. For each of five best experi- 
ments on any important and doubtful or 
disputed question or questions of practi- 
cal Agriculture ; each experiment to in- 
clude a series of not less than eight dif- 
ferent matters of trial, observation, mea- 
surement or correct estimate or compari- 
son of results, and each experiment to ' 
cover not less than four acres of land; 
and moreover, by its proper direction, 
accuracy of performance and the careful 
and full report of procedure and results ■ 
thereof, shall serve to furnish valuable 
instruction for practice on the subject 
investigated, to which it relates, whether 
two or more experiments shall be on the 
same one, or each, on a different subject, 
a premium of . . . . . . $100 

Second Grade. 

6 to 15. For each of ten other next 
best experiments, of similar character 
and merit with the above described, but 
falling short of the full requisitions for 
the foregoing, a premium of . 25 

Third Grade. 

16 to 35. For each of twenty other ac- 
curate and instructive experiments or 
series of experiments, on one general 
subject, of merit and useful value, a pre- 
mium of . -. .... 10 

SUBJECTS FOR EXPERIMENTS 
SUGGESTED. 

"While it is by no means intended to limit 
the range of selection to the subjects here 
enumerated, it has, nevertheless, been thought 
proper to suggest them, as of practical im- 
portance, and worthy to be tested by careful 
experiments. 

16 



COMPARATIVE EXPERIMENTS OF THE 
SECOND GRADE. 

1. In Feeding Qattle — Showing the compara- 
tive cost of fattening in the open air, and in 
sheltered stalls, on ground and unground* 
cooked, and uncooked food. 

2. In Feeding Sheep — Showing the compara- 
tive cost of- fattening at large or in confine- 
ment, under like conditions as above. 

3. In Feeding Hogs — Showing the compara- 
tive cost of fattening under like conditions as 
above. 

4. In Manuring Wheat — Showing the rela- 
tive effect of ammonia and the phosphates, and 
a combination of both kinds of manure. 

5. In Feeding Farm Horses. — The best and 
most economical mode of feeding farm horses. 
The cost to be stated. 

6. In Draining Land. — The best experiment 
on thorough draining of notless than two acres 
of land, with or without tile — the approximate 
cost and the improvement compared with 
similar adjacent undrained land to be stated. 

7. In Drilling and Broad- Casting Wheat. — 
The best experiment, having particular refer- 
ence to superiority of product, economy of seed 
and less liability to "heave" in winter. 

8. Selecting Seed Corn. — For the best ex- 
periments in selecting seed corn, with a view 
to increase the number of ears — showing the 
effect of such increase on the weight of the 
corn, and its capacity, if any, to increase the 
amount of corn grown on a given quantity of 
land. For instance, can ordinary up-land be 
made to grow a good three-eared stalk on the 
same area that produced a good one-eared stalk? 

EXPERIMENTS OF THE THIRD GRADE. 

9. Manuring Corn.- — For the best experi- 
ments in applying manure to corn, showing 
the kind, quantity, and cost of manure, and the 
mode of its application. 

10. Level and Ridge Culture of Corn. — For 
the best comparative experiment, showing 
which is the most economical and profitable 
mode of cultivation. 

11. Corn Cidiure in Dills and in Checks. — 
For the best comparative experiment, showing 
which is the most economical and profitable 
mode of cultivation. 

12. The Proportion of Shucks per harrel of 
Corn. — The best experiment to ascertain the 
proportion which shucks and corn reciprocally 
bear to each other. 

13. On Continuous Cropping. — For the best 
experiment on the continuous cropping of the 
same field in Indian corn. 

14. For the best 
experiment on the continuous cropping of the 
same field in wheat. 

15. For the best 
experiment on the continuous cropping of the 
same field in oats. 

16. Application of .Phosphate of Lime. — For 
the best experiment applied to clover and peas. 



242 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



17. Application of Ammonia. — For the best 
experiment applied to clover and peas. 

18. Combined Application of Ammonia and 
Phosphate of Lime. — For the best experiment 
of the application of these, in certain definite 
proportions, to clover and peas. 

19. Yield of Flour from Wheat. — For the 
best experiment to show what ought to be the 
proportion of flour yielded by a given quantity 
of wheat. 



Remarks and Special Rules for Branch I. 

The superiority of merit or value of any two 
experiments, claiming the same or like pre- 
miums, will be decided in reference to the 
nearest approximation to the following con- 
ditions : 

1st. The comparative extent and complete- 
ness of the processes of experiment, and the 
apparent accuracy of the procedure. 

2nd. The clearness of the report. 

3rd. The utility of the information so con- 
veyed. 

Exact measurements of results always will 
add much value to reports of experiments, and 
should not be omitted whenever the case may 
require euch exactness. But in many other 
cases, estimates of comparative results, or pro- 
ducts, by the eye, may serve, if sufficient for the 
case and for reaching correct conclusions. 

BRANCH II. 

First Grade. 

Premiums for Written Communications. 

36 to 40. For each of the five best es- 
says or written communications, whether 
on the same or on different subjects of 
practical agriculture, or on scientific ag- 
riculture, strictly and usefully applicable 
to practice, of high order of merit and ^ 
utility for instruction — and conforming 
to the requisitions of the general rules 
on this subject, a premium of . . $50 

Second Grade. 

41 to 50. For each of ten of other and 
next lest essays or written communica- 
tions as above described, but which may 
fall J short of the requisitions for the 
higher offers, a premium of . . 20 

Third Grade. 

51 to 70. For each of other twenty 
next best instructive written communi- 
cations of new facts in agriculture, a 
premium of . . . . . 10 

71. For the best treatise on gardening, 
suited to the climate of Virginia, to be 

not less than one hundred pages, 25 

72. Best treatise on the culture and 
management of Broom Corn, . . 10 



Remarks on, and Special Rules for, Branch II. 

ESSAYS AND OTHER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS. 

1. Essays and other written articles on prac- 
tical subjects, must be founded mainly, and on 
scientific subjects, at least partly, on the 
writer's practical experience and personal ob- 
servation or investigation ; though portions of 
each may rest on other authorities, to be stated 
particularly or generally, as required by the 
case. 

2. The award of superiority to any one writ- 
ing over others on the same subject, will be 
made in reference to its probable greater utility 
to agricultural improvement or profit, as well 
as to the ability with which the subject is 
.treated. 

3. In matter designed to instruct or to guide 
practical labors, clearness and fullness of de- 
tails will be deemed a high claim to merit — and 
next conciseness. Nothing necessary for in- 
struction should be omitted, and nothing inclu- 
ded that can be omitted without injury to the 
value of the instruction. 

4. Written Communications to the Executive 
Committee may be sent in at anj- time — the ear- 
lier the better — as they will at once be referred 
to the Committee on Essays, who will thus be 
enabled to scrutinize, and the more correctly to 
estimate by comparison, the relative merits of \ 
the different Essays submitted for their exami- 
nation. 

5. It is required that all written communi- 
cations to the Society, received at any previous 
time and published by order of the Executive 
Committee, and which have not been duly con- 
sidered, and denied premiums by the judges, 
shall be still held and considered as claiming, 
and in competition with any more recent writ- 
ings for premiums offered, and for which any 
such writings may be suitable, and further, 
even the previously published writings, which 
had been duly considered by the judges at the 
preceding Fair, and to which premiums were 
denied, shall still be held under review and] 
consideration, by the judges for the next year's 
premiums, not to again be placed in compe- 
tition, but for the purpose of being compared 
as to degrees of merit with the later writings 
then under consideration and adjudication for 
premiums. 

6. When a premium has been awarded at 
previous time to an essay, any other and latei 
essa}*, or written communication on that sub 
ject, to obtain a premium, must be eithei 
deemed to have important additional valut 
compared to the former one so honored, oi 
otherwise be very different in matter, or man 
ner of treatment, as well as of a sufficiently 
high order of merit. 

7. All written communications to which maj 
be awarded premiums, will be published in th< 
Transactions of the Society. And any othert 
offered to compete for premiums, and not ob 
taming that honor, will be published in lifct 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



243 



manner, if deemed worthy by the Executive' 
Committee. 

BRANCH III. 

BEST CROPS OF DIFFERENT FARMS- 

For the best product averaged per acre, of 
each of the following crops grown in 1856, or 
1857. 

$§^If raised on ten acres of land in a body, 
the annexed premiums. 

73. Indian corn, .low-grounds, $50 

74. do., high-land, 50 

75. Wheat, 50 

76. Tobacco, 50 

77. Cotton, 30 

78. Oats, 30 

79. Field peas, 30 

80. Rye, 30 

81. Barley, 30 

82. Timothy, herds-grass, or other hay 

of artificial grass or clover, 30 

f$^ If raised on foe acres of land in a body, 
the annexed premiums. 

83. Clover seed, weighing 60 lbs. to 

the bushel, $20 

84. Timothy seed, weighing 46 lbs. to 

the bushel, 20 

85. Orchard-grass seed, weighing 14 

lbs. to the bushel, 20 

86. Sweet potatoes, 30 

87. Buckwheat, 20 

88. Irish potatoes, if raised on 2 acres 

of land in a body, 20 

89. Turnips, if raised on 2 acres of 

land in a body, 20 

90. Pumpkins, if raised on 1 acre of 

land in a body, 10 

91. Ground peas, if raised on 1 acre 

of land in a body, 10 

For the best sample of unprized tobacco, of 
the growth of 1857, not less than 5 pounds, the 
annexed premiums. 

92. For the best English shipping, $20 

93. For the second best do., 10 

94. For the best Continental shipping, 20 

95. For the second best do., 10 

96. For the best fine bright manu- 
facturing wrapper, 20 

97. For the best fine sweet chewing, 20 
The samples must be forwarded to the Secre- 
tary's office, at least one week before the first 
day of the Fair, that they may be classified 
and arranged for exhibition and the decision of 
the judges, by Messrs, Barksdale & Read, N. 
M. Martin & Co., Harris & Gibson, and Deane 
& Hobson, the committee appointed for that 
purpose, who will place each" sample in its ap- 
propriate class, and the premiums will be 
awarded by the judges as the test of quality 

d management when the tobacco is stripped. 

The Society will procure and exhibit, care- 
fully prized samples ordered, handled and 
prized, for each market. The Society designs 



to indicate to the planter, by the classification 
of all samples, the particular market to which 
his tobacco properly belongs; and by the prized 
samples, to show good order and neat manage- 
ment in prizing for that market. 

Crops offered as largest products must have 
their amounts fixed with sufficient accuracy to 
enable the judges to decide upon their merits. 
The testimony will be the best that the nature 
of the case may admit, and such as will be 
satisfactory to the judges. 



and 



BRANCH IV. 



Thorough Bred. — Is/ Class. 

$$§*• Awards to be made without regard to 
performance on the turf, and the Judges are 
required to reject any animal competing in 
this division, with which there is not furnished 
a complete pedigree, shewing the purity of 
blood on the side of both dam and sire. 

98. For the best thorough bred stal- 
lion, $50 00 

99. For the second best, 30 00 

100. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

101. For the best thorough bred mare, 20 00 

102. For the second best, 10 00 

103. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

104. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1854, 10 00 

105. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1855, 10 00 

106. For the best entire colt foaled 
since January, 1856, 7 50 

107. For the best filly foaled since 

1st January, 1854, ' 10 00 

108. For the best filley foaled since 

1st January, 1855, 10 00 

109. For the best filly foaled since 

1st January, 1856, 7 50 

110. For the best foal dropped since 

1st January, 1857, 5 00 

Jg^g^No premium to be given in the forego- 
ing class to an animal that is unsound. 

The Horse of General Utility. — %nd Class. 

111. For the best stallion for useful 

and elegant purposes combined, $40 00 

112. For the second best, 20 00 

113. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

114. For the best brood mare for use- 
ful and elegant purposes combined, 20 00 

115. For the second best, 10 00 

116. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

117. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1854, 10 00 

118. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1855, 10 00 

119. For the best entire eolt foaled 
since 1st January, 1856, ' 7 50 



244 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



120. For the best filly foaled since 1st 
January, 1854, 10 00 

121 For the best filly foaled since 1st 
January, 1855, 10 00 

122. For the best filly foaled since 1st 
January, 1856, 7 50 

123. For the best foal dropped since 

1st January, 1857, 5 00 

124. For the best pair of matched 
horses, 25 00 

' 125. For the second best pair of 
matched horses, 10 00 

126. For the best single harness horse, 
mare or gelding, 15 00 

127. For the second best, 10 00 
JJIlP'No premium to be given in the forego- 
ing class to an animal that is unsound. 

Quick Draught Horses — 3rd Class. 

128. For the best stallion for quick 
draught, $40 00 

129. For the second best, 20 00 

130. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

131. For the best brood mare for quick 
draught, 20 00 

132. For the second best, 10 00 

133. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

134. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1854, 10 00 

135. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1855, . 10 00 

136. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1856, 7 50 

137. For the best filly foaled since 

1st January, 1854; 10 00 

138. For the best filly foaled since 1st 
January, 1855, 10 00 

139. For the best filly foaled since 1st ■ 
January, 1856, 7 50 

140. For the best foal dropped since 

1st January, 1857, 5 00 

141. For the best pair of matched 
horses for quick draught, 25 00 

142. For the second best, 10 00 
113. For the best single harness horse, 

mare or gelding*, 15 00 

144. For the'second best, 10 00 
Mares and geldings that have been run in a 

regular race cannot compete for the above 
premiums. 

Jggjg^No premium to be given, in the forego- 
ing class, to an animal that is unsound. 

Heavy Draught Horses. — 4th Class. 

145. For the best stallion for heavy 
draught, $40 00 

146. For the second best, 20 00 

147. For the third best. 

Certificate of Merit. 

148. For the best brood mare for 
heavy draught, 20 00 

149. For the secoud best, 10 00 



150. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

151. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January 1854, 10 00 

152. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1855, 10 00 

153. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1856, 7 50 

154. For the best filly foaled since 1st 
January, 1854, 10 00 

155. For the best filly foaled since 1st 
January, 1855, 10 00 

156. For the best fillv- foaled since 1st 
January, 1856, 7 50 

157. For the best foal dropped since 

1st January, 1857, 5 00 

158. For the best pair heavy draught 
horses, 20 00 

159. For the best team of heavy draught 
horses, not less than four, 30 00 

[To be tested on the Fair Grounds according 
to such plan as may be prescribed by the 
Judges.] 

JSPgp^No premium to be given, in the forego- 
ing class, to an animal that is unsound. 



Saddle He 



■5th Class. 



160. For the best stallion for the sad- 
dle, $40 00 

161. For the second best, 20 00 

162. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

163. For the best brood mare for the 
saddle, 20 00 

164. For the second best, 10 00 

165. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

166. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1854, 10 00 

167. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1855, 10 00 

168. For the best entire colt foaled 
since 1st January, 1856, 7 50 

169. For the best filly foaled since 1st 
January, 1854, 10 00 

170. For the best filly foaled since 1st 
January, 1855, 10 00 

171. For the best filly foaled since 1st 
Sanuary, 1856, 7 50 

172. For the best foal dropped since 

1st January, 1857, 5 00 

173. For the best saddle horse, mare, 

or gelding, 20 00 

174. For the second best saddle horse, 
mare, or gelding, 10 00 

JS^g^No premium to be given, in the forego- 
ing class, to an animal that is unsound. 



mules and jacks. — Uh Class. 

175. For the best jack, $40 00 

176. For the second best, 20 00 

177. For the best jennet, 20 00 

178. For the second best, 10 00 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



179. For the Lest pair of mules, to be 
owned and worked one year preceding 
their exhibition, 15 00 

180. For the best team of mules, 4 or 
more, to be owned and worked 1 year 
preceding their exhibition, 25 00 

181. For the best mule colt, 3 years 

old, foaled in Virginia, 10 00 

182. For the best mule colt, 2 years 

old, foaled in Virginia, 10 00 

183. For the best mule colt, 1 year old, 
foaled in Virginia, 7 50 

184. For the best mule colt, a suck- 
ling, foaled in Virginia, 5 00 

CATTLE. 

Short Horns or Durhams, of Native Stock. 
1st Class. 

185. For the best bull, 3 years old 

and upwards, $30 00 

18G. For the second best, 15 00 

187. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

188. For the best cow, 3 years old and 
upwf rds, • 30 00 

189. For the second best, 15 00 

190. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 
.191. For the best bull between two 
and three years old, 20 00 

192. For the second best, 10 00 

193. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

194. For the best bull between one 

and two years old, 15 00 

195. For the second best, 8 00 

196. For the best heifer between two 

and three years old, 15 00 

1971 For the second best, 8 00 

198. For the best heifer between one 

and two years old, 15 00 

199. For the second best, . 8 00 
Herefords same premium as Durhams. 

For the best Imported Short Horns and 
Herefords, same premiums as the above, but 
the imported breeds shall compete only in their 
own class. 

Devons, of Native Stock. 
2nd Class. 

200. For the best bull, three years old 

and upwards, $30 00 

201. For the second best, 15 00 

202. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

203. For the best cow, three years old 

and upwards, 30 00 

204. For the second best, 15 00 

205. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

206. For the best bull, between two 

and three years old, 15 00 



207. For the second best, 8 00 

208. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

209. For the best bull, between one 

and two years old, 15 00 

210. For the second best, 8 00 

211. For the best heifer, between two 

and three years old, 15 00 

212. For the second best, 8 00 

213. For the best heifer, between one 

and two years old, 15 00 

214. For the second best, 8 00 
Alderneys same premium as Devons. 

Best Imported Devons and Alderneys, same 
premiums as the above, but the imported breeds 
shall compete only in their own class. 

Ay shires, of Native Stock. 
3rd Class. 

215. For the best bull, three years 

old and upwards, $20 00 

216. For the second best, 10 00 

217. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

218. For the best cow, three years old 

and upAvards, 20 00 

219. For the second best, 10 00 

220. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

221. For the best bull, between two 

and three years old, 10 00 

222. For the second best, 8 00 

223. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

224. For the best heifer, between two 

and three years old, 10 00 

225. For the second best, * 8 00 

226. For the best bull, between one 

and two years old, 10 00 

227. For the second best, 8 00 

228. For the best heifer, between one 

and two years old, 10 00 

229. For the second best, 8 00 
Holsteins same premiums as Ayrshires. 

For the best Imported Ayrshires and Holsteins. 
same premiums as the above, but the Imported 
breeds shall compete only with their own class. 

Grades. — 4th Class. 

230. For the best cow, three years old 

and upwards, 30 00 

231. For the second best, 15 00 

232. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

233. For the best heifer, between two 

and three years old, 10 00 

234. For the second best, 5 00 

235. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

236. For the best heifer, between one 

and two years old, 10 00 



240 



THE SOUTHEBN PLANTER. 



237. For the second best, 5 00 
This class includes native stock or crosses of 

any of the foregoing breeds with the native 
stock. 

DAIRY COWS. 

5th Class. 

238. For the best cow for the dairy, $30 00 

239. For the second best, . 15 00 

Working Oxen. — 6th Class. 

240. For the best yoke of oxen over 

four years old, $30 00 

241. For the second best, 15 00 

242. For the best yoke of oxen under 

four years old, 30 00 

243. For the second best, 15 00 
The oxen to be tested according to rules to 

be prescribed by the Committee of Award. 

PAT STOCK. CATTLE. 

7th Class. 

244. For the best pair aged fat steers, $40 00 

245. For the second best pair, . 25 00 

246. For the best pair of fat steers, 
under four years old, 40 00 

247. For the second best pair, 25 00 

248. For the best fat cow, over four 
years old, ■ 20 00 

249. For the second best, 10 00 

250. For the best fat heifer under four 
years old, 20 00 

251. For the second best, 10 00 

252. For the best single fat steer, 15 00 

253. For the second best, 10 00 
The owner will be required to state the mode 

of fattening in all cases. 

SHEEP AND SWINE. Stk ClaSS. 

254. For the best pen fat sheep, four 

or more, $15 00 

255. For the best pen fat hogs, five or 
more, 10 00 

256. For the best slaughtered mutton, 

fine wool, 5 00 

357. For the best slaughtered mutton, 

middle wool, 5 00 

558. For the best slaughtered mutton, 

long wool, . 5 00 

SHEEP, 

FINE WOOLS, OF NATIVE STOCK. 

Saxons — 1st Class, 

259. For the best ram, 20 00 

260. For the second best, 10 00 

261. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

262. For the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

263. For the second best, 10 00 

264. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 



265. For the best pen of ewe lambs, 

4 in number, 10 00 

266. For the best pen of ram lambs, 

4 in number, § 10 00 

Saxon Grades. — 2nd Class. 

267. For the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

268. For the second best, 10 00 

269. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

270. For the best pen of ewe lambs, 

four in number, 10 00 



Merinos. — 3d Class. 



20 00 
10 00 



271. For the best ram, 
202. For the second best, 

273. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

274. Far the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

275. For the second best, 10 00 

276. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

277. For the best pen of ewe lambs, w 
four in number, 10 00 

278. For the best pen of ram lambs, 

four in number, 10 00 

Merino Grades. — 4th Class. 

279. For the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

280. For the second best, 10 00 

281. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

282. For the best pen of ewe lambs, 

four in number, 10 00 

Grades are crosses of the above breeds on 

native stock. 

Silesian Merinos same premiums as the above. 

MIDDLE WOOLS, OF NATIVE STOCK. 

South Downs. — 5th Class. 

283. For the best ram, 20 00 

284. For the second best, 10 00 

285. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

286. For the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

287. For the second bevst, 10 00 

288. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

289. For the best pen of ewe lambs, 

four in number, 10 00 

290. For the best pen of ram lambs, 4 

in number, 10 00 

South Down Grades. — 6th Class. 

291. For the best pen of ewes, three 



in number, 
292. For the second best, 



20 00 
10 00 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



247 



293. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

294. For the best pen of ewe lambs, 

4 in number, 10 00 

Oxford Downs. — 7th Class. 

295. For the best ram, 20 00 

296. For the second best, 10 00 

297. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

298. For the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

299. For the second best, 10 00 

300. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

301. For the best pen ef ewe lambs, 4 

in number, 10 00 

302. For the best pen of ram lambs, 

four in number, • 10 00 

Oxford Down Grades.— 8th Class. 

303. For the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

304. For the second best, 10 00 

305. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

306. For the best pen of ewe lambs, 

4 in number, 10 00 

Dorset, Cheviot, Hampshire and Shropshire 

Downs, same premiums as Oxford Downs. 
Grades, being crosses of these breeds upon 

native stock, same premiums as other Grades. 

LONG WOOLS, OF NATIVE STOCK. 

9 th Class. 

307. For the best ram, 20 00 

308. For the second best, 10 00 

309. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

310. For the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

311. For the second best, 10 00 

312. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

313. For the best pen of ram lambs, 

four in number, 10 00 

314. For the best pen of ewe lambs, 4 

in number, 10 00 

Jgiir The long wooled breed includes Bake- 
well or Leicester, Cotswold or New Oxfordshire 
and Lincoln. 

Long Wool Grades. — 10/A Class. 

315. For the best pen of ewes, three 

in number, 20 00 

' 316. For the second best, 10 00 

317. For the third best, 

Certificate of Merit. 

318. For the best pen of ewe lambs, 

four in number, 10 00 

This class of Grades comprises any of the 

crosses of the above long wools on native stock. 



foreign sheep. 
11 th [Class. 

319. For the best imported Saxon ram, 20 00 

320. For the second best, 10 00 

321. For the best imported Saxon ewe, 20 00 

322. For the second best, 10 00 

323. For the best imported Merino 

ram, 20 00 

824. For the second best, 10 00 

325. For the best imported Merino ewe, 20 00 

326. For the second best, 10 00 

327. For the best imported South down 

ram, 20 00 

328. For the second best, 10 00 

329. For the best imported Southdown 

ewe, 20 00 

330. For the second best, 10 00 

331. For the best imported Oxford 
down ram, 20 00 

332. For the second best, 10 00 

333. For the best imported Oxford 
down ewe, 20 00 

334. For the second best, 10 00 

335. For the best imported Bakewell 

or Leicester ram, 20 00 

336. For the second best, 10 00 

337. For the best imported Bakewell 

or Leicester ewe, 20 00 

338. For the second best, 10 00 

339. For the best imported Cotswold 

or New Oxfordshire ram, 20 00 

340. For the second best, 10 00 

341. For the best imported Cotswold 

or New Oxfordshire ewe, 20 00 

342. For the second best, 10 00 
Imported sheep not allowed to compete with 

natives. 

K3T The Judges of awards on fine wools will 
also adjudge the premiums on imported Saxon 
and Merinos. The Judges on middle wools, 
the premiums on imported South Downs and 
Oxfords, and the Judges on long wools, the 
premiums on imported Bakewells and Cots- 
wolds. 

\Cashmere Goats. — 12/A Class. 

343. For the best pair Cashmere goats, 

male and female, 20 00 

344. For the best pair, cross of Cash- 
mere with native goat, 

Certificate of Merit. 



swine. 
Large Breed. 

345. For the best boar over two years 

old, 20 00 

346. For the second best, 10 00 

347. For the best boar one year old, 15 00 

348. For the second best, ' 8 00 

349. For the best breeding sow over 

two years old, 20 00 

. 350. For the second best, 10 00 



248 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



351. For the best sow not less tli*an 6 
months and under 18 months old, 15 00 

352. For the second best, , 8 00 

353. For the best lot of pigs, not less 
than 5 in number, nor less than 2, and 
under five months old, 10 00 

354. For the second best, 5 00 
The large breed includes Chester, Russia, 

Bedford, Woburn, Grazier, Duchess County, 
native and grades. 



Small Breed. > 

355. For the best boar over two years 

old, 20 00 

356. For the second best, 10 00 

357. For the best boar one year old, 15 00 

358. For the second best, ' 8 00 

359. For the best breeding sow over 

two years old, 20 00 

360. For the second best, 10 00 

361. For the best sow, not less than 6 
months nor more than 18 months old, 15 00 

362. For the second best, 8 00 

363. For the best lot of pigs, not less 
than 5 in number, nor less than two and 
under five months old, 10 00 

364. For the second best, 5 00 
The small breed includes Neapolitan, Suf- 
folk, Sussex, Esses, Berkshire, Chinese, na- 
tives and grades. 



Additional Premiums to Premium Animals 

365. For the bull of three years old or 
more of any breed on exhibition, 

366. For the best cow of any breed on 
exhibition, 

367. For the best stallion of any breed 
on exhibition, 

368. For the best brood mare of any[ 
breed on exhibition, 

369. For the best ram of any breed on 
exhibition, 

370. For the best ewe of any breed on 
exhibition, 

371. For the best boar of any breed on 
exhibition, 

372. For the best breeding sow of any 
breed on exhibition, 



POULTRY. 

Chickens. — 1st Class. 

373. For the best 

374. For the best 

375. For the best 

376. For the best 

377. For the best 

378. For the best 

379. For the best 

380. For the best 

381. For the best 

382. For the best 
burg, 



pair Cochin China, 
pair Imperial China, 
pair White Dorkings, 
pair Red Chittagong, 
pair Gray Chittagong, 
pair Black Poland, 
pair White Poland, 
pair Silver Pheasants, 
pair Golden Pheasants, 
pair Spangled Ilani- 



2 00 



383. 
game, 

384. 

385. 

386. 

387. 
tain, 



For the best pair white or red 

For the best pair Bramah Pootra, 
For the best pair Virginia game, 
For the best pair Black Spanish, 
For the best pair Indian Moun- 



2 00 
2 00 
2 00 
2 00 



»88. For the best pair Wild Indian 



game, 

389. 

390. 

391. 

392. 
tarns, 

393. 

394. 

395. 



For the best pair Sumatra game, 
For the best pair Ostrich game, 
For the best pa^ Bolton grays, 
For the best pair Sea-bright Ban- 

For the best pair Java Bantams, 
For the best pair Great Malay, 
For the best pair Jersey Blues, 

Turkeys. — 2nd Class. 



396. For the best pair common Tur- 
keys, 2 00 

397. For the best pair wild Turkeys, 2 00 

398. For the best pair crested Turkeys, 2 00 



Geese. — 3rd Class. 

399. For the best pair common Geese, 

400. For the best pair wild Geese, 

401. For the best pair China Geese, 

402. For the best pair Bremen Geese, 

403. For the best pair Poland Geese, 

404. For the best pair African Swan 
Geese, • 

Ducks. — 4 th Class. 

405. For the best pair of white Poland 
Ducks, 

406. For the best pair Muscovy Ducks, 

407. For the best pair Aylesbury Ducks, 

408. For the best pair common Ducks, 

409. For the best pair summer Wild 
Ducks, 

5th Class. 

410. For the greatest variety of Poul- 
try by one exhibitor, 



00 
00 
00 
00 
00 



2 00 



2 00 



10 00 



BRANCH V. 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 

Remarks and Special Rules for Branch V. 

All machines, implements, or other products 
of mechanical art, must be exhibited by or for 
their respective makers or inventors or im- 
provers, to or for whom only, premiums for such 
articles must be awarded. Persons who hold 
such articles by purchase, or as matters of 
traffic, will have no claim to a premium. 

Every machine or implement offered for pre- 
mium, must be designated by the offerer by its 
commercial name, or otherwise such other con- 
cise description be given as will serve to iden- 
tifiy it to future purchasers; and also the then 
selling price of the article must be stated and 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



249 



marked on the labels and in the published re- 1 ' 
ports of premium articles. 

The "judgment, of superior value must have 
due regard to the cheapness and durability of 
any machine or implement, as. well as to its 
more effective operation while in good working 
order. 

Class I. 
Ploughs, Cultivators, Sec. 

411. For the best 3 horse plough, $10 00 

412. For the best 2 horse do, 10 00 

413. For the best single do, 10 00 

414. For the best shovel do, 5 00 

415. For the best sub-soil do, 5 00 

416. For the best new-ground, or coal- 

ter plough, 5 00 

417. For the best hill-side plough, 5 00 

418. For the best cultivator for corn, 5 00 

419. For the best cultivator for to- 
bacco, 5 00 

420. For the best cultivator for two 
horses, 5 00 

421. For the best wooden-frame har- 
row, 6 00 

422. For the best iron-frame harrow, 6 00 
428. For the best drain and furrow 

plough for opening water furrows, 20 00 

Class II. 
Drills, Broadcasters, 8{c. 

424. For the best broadcasting or 
drilling machine for sowing grain and 
grass seed, $20 00 

425. For the best wheat drill, . 20 00 

426. For the best broadcasting ma- 
chine for sowing guano, 20 00 

427. For the best lime spreader, 20 00 

428. For the best corn planter, 10 00 

429. For the best seed drill, 3 00 

430. For the best attachment to drill 

for drilling guano, 15 00 

431. For the best implement for sow- 
ing and covering peas among corn, at or 
immediately following the last tillage, 

and either with or without guano, 15 00 

Class III. 
Wagons, Carts, Harness, Sfc. 
For the best wagon for farm use, $10 00 
For the best dumping wagon, 20 00 
For the best hoi'se cart, 
For the best ox cart with iron 



432. 

433. 

434. 

435. 
axle, 

436. 
der, for 
hay, or 

437. 
ness, 

438. 
cart, 

439. 



For the best wagon-body, or lad- 
hauling wheat in the sheaf, or 
straw, 
For the best set of wagon har- 

For the best harness for horse 

For the best ox yoke, 



8 00 

20 00 



Class IV. 
Rollers, Clod- Crushers, and Farm Gate. 

440. For the best smooth roller, $10 00 

441. For the best pegged roller, to be 
exhibited by model, 20 00 

442. For the best clod-crusher, 20 00 

443. For the best farm gate, includ- 
ing best hinge and fastening, to be ex- 
hibited by model, 5 00 

Class V. 
Horse-Powers, Threshers, Separators, Sec. 

444. For the best sweep horse-power, $25 00 

445. For the second best sweep horse- 
power, • 10 00 

446. For the best threshing mach'n", 20 00 

447. For the best machine for threshing, 
cleansing and separating wheat at one 
operation, 30 00 

448. For the best machine for gather- 
ing clover seed, 20 00 

449. For the best machine for hulling 

and cleansing clover seed, 20 00 

Class VI. 
Straw and Root Cutters, Cornshellers, 
Mills, Src. 

450. For the best hay or straw-cutter, 

for horse-power, $10 00 

451. For the best hay or straw-cutter, 

for hand-power, 5 00 

452 For the best horse-power cutter, 
for cutting cornstalks for fodder, 15 00 

453. For the best cornsheller for horse 
power, 10 00 

454. For the best cornsheller for hand 
power, 5 00 

455. For the best grist mill for horse 
power, 10 00 

456. For the best hominy mill, 5 -00 

457. For the best saw-mill, for farm 

use, • 10 00 

458. For the best corn and cob crusher, 10 00 

459. For the best root cutter, 2 50 

460. For the best bone crusher, 20 00 

461. For the best steam boiler for 
cooking food for stock, 20 00 

Class VII. 

Fan Mill, Hay Press, Ditching 

Machine, Sfc. 

462. For the best fanning mill, $10 00 

463. For the best hay press, 15 00 

464. For the best stump machine, 30 00 

465. For the best ditching machine, 30 00 

466. For the best rotary digger, 30 00 

467. For the best steel spade fork, 5 00 

468. For the best horse rake for hay, 5 00 
I 469. For the best gleaner, 3 00 

Class VIII. 
470. For the most extensive and valu- 



250 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



able collection of useful machines and 
implements exhibited and made at any 
one factory, whether including subjects 
for other premiums or not, a premium 
of $25 00 

Class IX. 

Miscellaneous. 

471. For the best pump adapted to 

deep wells, $10 00 

472. For the best water-ram in ope- 
ration, 10 00 

473. For the best scoop or scraper, 10 00 

474. For the best levelling instru- 
ment, suitable for draining operations, 10 00 

475. For the best churn, 4 00 

476. For the best sausage cutter, 2 00 

477. For the best washing machine, 2 00 

478. For the best sewing machine, 10 00 

479. For the best machine for shear- 
ing sheep, 15 00 

Class X. 
Agricultural Steam Engine. • 

480. For the best steam engine appli- 
cable to agricultural purposes generally, 

as a substitute for horse power, $50 00 

Ploughing Match. 

481. For the best ploughman with 
horses, 10 00 

482. For the second best ploughman 

with horses, 5 00 

483. For the best ploughman with 
steers, 10 00 

484. For the second best ploughman 

with steers, 5 00 

485. For the best dynamometer, 10 00 

Class XI. 
Trial of Ploughs. 

485. For the best two-horse plough 
adapted to the section in which trial is 
to bo instituted, $20 00 

487. For the best three or four-horse 
plough adapted to the section in which 
trial is to be instituted, 20 00 

There shall be three separate trials of 
ploughs ; one for the Tide-water ; one for the 
Piedmount; and one for the Trans-montane 
section of the State. These trials shall be 
held respectively, after due public notice, at 
such times and places as shall be appointed 
by the Chairman of the Committee of Award 
for the section in which the trial is to be made. 

The Judges will award the premiums offered, 
only to such implements as may be deemed 
fully worthy of that distinction. 

The relative merits of all the ploughs sub- 
mitted for trial shall be tested upon each of the, 
several points contained in the following scale, 
and full report thereof shall be made to the 
Executive Committee. 



Scale of Points for Ploughs. 

1. Economy of Power, or the least re- 
sistance to draught according to depth 

and width of furrow, 20 

2. Facility in changing the set, so as 
to give more or less land, or greater or 
less depth, without disturbing the pro- 
portionate width of furrow and without 
alteration of harness, 10 

3. Steadiness of action, with as little 
labor to the ploughman as comports with 
the proper control and guidance of the 
plough, 10 

4. Adjustment of all the parts in har- 
monious relation to each other, so that 
each shall duly perform its appropriate 
function, 15 

5. Effectiveness of operation, cutting a 
furrow, the width of which shall bear a 
due proportion to the depth thereof, and 
also cutting the furrow slice of uniform 
thickness and lifting and turning it at 
the proper angle with the least degree 

of friction, 25 

6. Strength, durability and simplicity 

of construction, 10 

!•-. Price and facility and economy; of 
repairs, 10 



100 



Class XII. 

Trial of Reaping and Mowing Machines. 

488. For the best reaping machine, $50 00 
; '489. For the best mowing do, 25 00 

To be tested according to the scale of points 
to be prescribed by the Committee of Arrange- 
ments, and at such time and place as the Ex- 
ecutive Committee may hereafter designate. 

BRANCH VI. 

FRUITS AND FRUIT TREES. 

490. For the best and largest variety 
of apples suitable for Southern raising, 

each labelled, $10 00 

491. For the best and largest variety 

of pears, 8 00 

492. For the greatest number of choice 
varieties of different kinds of fruit, 10 00 

493. For the best and largest collec- 
tion of apple trees, suitable for Southern 
raising, 10 00 

494. For the best pear trees, 10 00 

495. For the best peach tress, 10 00 

496. For the best ii trees, 5 00 

497. For the best grape vines, 5 00 

498. For the best strawberry vines, 3 00 

499. For the best raspberry plants, 3 00 

500. For the best bushel dried apples, 3 00 

501. do do peaches, 3 00 

502. Model or drawing of the best 

kiln for drying fruit, 10 00 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



251 



503. For the largest and choicest col- 
lection of plants, $10 00 

504. For the second best, 5 00 

505. For the best and greatest variety 

of dahlias, 3 00 

506. For the best twelve dahlias, 2 00 

507. For the greatest variety of roses, 5 00 

508. For the best twenty-five roses, 2 00 

509. For the best and largest col- 
lection of chrysanthemums, 3 00 

510. For the best floral ornament, 5 00 

511. For the best hand boquet, not 
more than eight inches in circumference, 2 00 

512. For the best and largest collec- 
tion of verbenas in bloom, 3 00 

513. For the best and largest collec- 
tion of evergreens, 5 00 

514. For the best and largest collec- 
tion of hardy, flowering shrubs, 5 00 

VEGETABLES. 

515. For the largest and best assort- 
ment of table vegetables, $10 00 



51G 
beets, 
517 
518 
519 



For the best dozen long blood 



2 00 



For best dozen head of cabbage, 
For the best dozen cauliflower, 
For the best dozen broccoli, 

520. For the best dozen carrots, 

521. For the best dozen egg plants, 
For the best peck of onions, 
For the best dozen parsnips, 
For the best bushel of Irish pota- 



522. 
523. 
524. 

toes, 

525. 
tatoes, 



For the best bushel of sweet po- 



2 00 
2 00 



§ BRANCH VII. 

BUTTER AND CHEESE. 

526. For the best specimen of fresh 
butter, not less than ten pounds, 10 00 

527. For the second best specimen of 
fresh butter, not less than five pounds, 5 00 

528. For the best firkin or tub of salt- 
ed butter, not less than six months old, 10 00 

529. For the second best firkin or tub 
of salted butter, not less than six months 

old, 5 00 

530. For the best cheese, not less than 

20 pounds, 10 00 

The method of making and preserving the 

butter and cheese to be stated by the exhibitor. 

Honey, Bee-Hives and Bacon Hams. 

531. For the best specimen of honey, 

not less than 10 pounds, 5 00 

The honey to be taken without destroying 
the bees — the kind of hives used, and the man- 
agement of the bees to be stated by the exhibi- 



532. For the best bee-hive, 



10 00 



533. For the best ham cured by exhibi- 
tor, 8 00 

534. For the second best, 4 00 
Manner of curing to be described by exhibi- 
tor, and the hams exhibited to be cooked. 



Household Manufactures. 

CLASS I. 

555. For the best quilt, 5 00 

536. For the second best quilt, 4 00 

537. For the best counterpane, 5 00 

538. For the second best counterpane, 4 00 

539. For the best pair home-made blan- 
kets, 5 00 

540. For the best home-made carpet, 5 00 

541. For the best home-made hearth- 
rug, 3 00 

542. For the best set home-made cur- 
tains, 5 00 

543. For the second best set home- 
made curtains, 3 00 

544. For the best piece, not less than 

7 yards home-made negro shirting, 3 00 

545. For the best piece, not less than 
10 yards, winter clothing for negroes, to 

be woven by hand, 5 00 

546. For the best piece, not less than 
10 yards, heavy woollen jeans, to be wo- 
ven by hand, 5 00 

547. For the second best piece, not less 
than 10 yards, heavy woollen jeans, to be 
woven by hand, 3 00 

548. For the best piece linsey, not less 

than 7 yards, to be woven by hand, 5 00 

549. For the second best, 3 00 

CLASS II. 

550. For the best fine long yarn hose, 3 00 

551. For the best fine long cotton hose, 3 00 

552. For the best silk hose of home- 
made silk, 5 00 

553. For the best specimen of home- 
made wine, 5 00 

554. For the best home-made bread, 5 00 

555. For the best home-made pound- 
cake, 3 00 

556. For the best home-made sponge- 
cake, 3 00 

557. For the best varieties home-made 
pickles, 3 00 

558. For the best varieties home-made 
preserves, 3 09 

359. For the best varieties home-made 
fruit jelly, 3 00 

560. For the best sample home-made 
soap, the process of making to be de- 
scribed by the exhibitor, 5 00 



CLASS III. 

Ladies Ornamental and Fancy Work. 

561. For the best specimen of embroi- 
dery, • 8 00 



25 2 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER 



562. For the second best, 
5G3. For the best specimen of worsted 
work, 

564. For the second best, 

565. For the best specimen of crotch- 
cd work, 

566. For the second best, 



6 00 

8 00 
6 00 

8 00 
6 00 



567. For the best specimen of wax work, 8 00 



568. For the second best, 

569. For the best specimen of shell 
work, 

570. For the second best, 

571. For the best specimen of orna- 
mental leather work, 

^572. For the second best, 

573. For the best specimen of block 
work, 

574. For the second best, 

575. For the best specimen of knitting, 

576. For the second best, 

577. For the best specimen of netting, 

578. For the second best, 

579. For the most extensive variety of 
useful ornamental and fancy work, not 
excluding articles which may have had 
premiums awarded them under any of 
the above specifications, 



00 



8 00 
6 00 
8 00 
6 00 
8 00 
6 00 



10 00 



DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 

CLASS I. 

580. For the best flour of white wheat, 
5S1. For the best flour of red wheat, 

Certificates of Merit. 

• CLASS II. 

582. For the best manufactured tobacco, 

Certificate of Merit. 



class in. 



583. For the best shod horse, 

584. For the best horse shoe, 

CLASS IV. 



585. For the best pair bed blankets, 

586. For the best pair servant's blan- 
kets, 

587. For the best piece of woollens, 

588. For the best piece of cotton cloth, 

589. For the best piece of cloth or web- 
bing, suitable for horse collars and har- 
ness, 

590. For the best and greatest variety 
of coarse, strong and cheap shoes, 

591. For the best and cheapest wool 
hats, 

592. For the best collection of coarse 
woollen fabrics for farm purpose, 

CLASS v. 

593. For the best dozen baskets of dif- 
ferent kinds made in Virginia, of Virgi- 
nia grown material, 5 



00 



594. For the best set of plantation 
hampers or baskets, not less than three 

in number, 5 00 

CLASS VI. 

595. To the first individual in Virginia 
who shall establish and maintain in suc- 
cessful operation for six months, a facto- 
ry for tubular draining tiles, on the most 
improved plan, a premium of 50 00 

596. For the best and cheapest speci- 
mens of tubular draining tiles, 5 00 

BRANCH VIII. 

Honorary Testimonials to each individual of 
Virginia who, previous to 1857, has discovered 
or introduced, or brought into use, any princi- 
ple, process or facility, generally or any im- 
provement by which important value has been 
gained for the agricultural interests of Virginia. 

BRANCH IX. 

CLASS I. 

Special Premiums for any useful subjects not 
embraced under any of the foregoing heads. 

597. Discovery in Virginia of mineral 
phosphate of lime in sufficient quantity 
to be valuable for sale and distant trans- 
portation as manure, a premium of 50 00 

If more than one claimant, the most valua- 
ble discovery to have the award. 

CLASS II. 

598. For the best drained farm, or 
part thereof, the formerly wet and then 
well drained portion of land to be not 
less than one hundred acres. The supe- 
riority of claim to be determined by^he 
extent and labor of the works, their fit- 
ness and successful results, the amount 
of benefits produced, and of profits made 

by the operation, a premium of 50 00 

599. For the best drained 20 acres, to 
be determined in like manner, a premi- 
um of 20 00 

600. For the best drained farm by 
open ditches, and water furrows, refer- 
ence being had* to costs, 20 00 

To obtain the first and second named premi- 
ums, it is required that the claimant shall pre- 
sent an accurate map, or ground plan, of his 
drained land, and of the principal drains, with 
approximate and sufficiently correct represen- 
tations of ail necessary minor points ; also pro- 
files or levelled lines of cross-sections and the 
principal lines of drains ; together with a suffi- 
ciently clear written description of the whole 
work and the general results thereof. 

CLASS III. 

601. For the fullest and best chemical 
analysis of the whole vegetable product 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



253 



of any good manuring variety of the 
Southern pea, in vines, leaves, roots and 
pods, at the time of the first pods being 
ripe — or of each of these products sepa- 
rately, and their relative dry weights 
stated — and also separately of another 
sample of like ripe seeds of the same 
variety — with the results (and particu- 
larly of nitrogen) stated, together and 
in comparison with the results, hereto- 
fore ascertained and published by chem- 
ists, of Indian corn, wheat, oats, Euro- 
pean peas, clover, &c, a premium of 



50 00 



CLASS IV. 

602. For the best plan of preserving 
wheat from the time of harvest until it 
is sent to market, including shocking, 
stacking and securing against weavil — 
to have been tested by satisfactory per- 
sonal experience, and to be accompanied 
by full and accurate written descriptions 
and drawings if necessary, 15 00 



BRANCH X. 

Premiums offered by Individual Donors. 

Premiums to be proposed of not less than 
twenty dollars value by any public spirited in- 
dividual or association of -individuals, who may 
thus desire to induce experiment, investiga- 
tion, or discussion, on any particular subject of 
inquiry which shall come under the general 
objects of the Society. In any such case the 
premium shall be offered in and by the name 
of the individual donor, or association, %ut 
shall be awarded, as all other premiums, by the 
Executive Committee, acting under the gene- 
ral regulations of the Society. Offers under 
this branch may be made at any time, admit- 
ting of sufficient public notice thereof being 
given previous to the day of award. 

The Rules and Regulations are deferred to a 
future issue of this paper. 

*-«-•-«-* ■ 

RICHMOND CATTLE MARKET. 

March 23, 1857. 
Reported by Messrs. Crockett & Shook. 

Beef cattle 6 to 6 \ gross— a No. 1. lot would 
bring 6 J. Sheep 6 to (SI gross. Hogs 9 ; in 
demand'. 



[fror the Southern Planter.] 
CATERPILLARS ON FRUIT TREES. 

Messrs Editors. — Fruit, and fruit 
trees, have been somewhat of a hobby 
with me for more than 20 years ; and as 
I have given my personal attention to the 
matter I speak from experience. 

Some 20 years since, I introduced into 
my neighborhood, some 50 varieties of 
select fruit from the nursery of Messrs 
James Sinton & Sons, near Richmond. 



We are now getting amply repaid for the 
small j-um invested. 

I was to day engaged in clearing my 
trees from the eggs of the Caterpillars, 
and as many of your subscribers may not 
be aware that winter or early spring is the 
best time to get rid of that nuisance, I 
concluded to drop you a short article on 
the subject. The eggs are laid in the fall, 
and are very nicely glued on the small 
branches, at the outer end of the limbs, 

The twigs being about the size of a 
pipe stem, a practical eye will soon detect 
them, there being a slight bulb, nicely 
worked on the twig, usually from 1 to 6 
inches from the end, and it frequently hap- 
pens, that there are two, three, or more 
cocoons near each other. I enclose you a 
twig on which you will find five. 

My attention was drawn to this matter 
many years ago, by tracing the path of 
the young caterpillar, from his web to the 
eggs ; and in this way clearing my trees 
of the pest in early spring; but of late 
years, I prefer hunting them out from No- 
vember till 1st April, as I may have leisure. 

My plan is to get a light pole an inch 
or a little more in diameter, in which I 
drive two nails, (one wiLl do,) forming an 
accute angle, — this is for a hook to pull 
down the iimbs so as to pin^h off the eggs, 
the pole may be from six to ten feet long. 
When the eggs are so high on the tree that 
I cannot reach them with the hand, I in- 
sert the twig between the nail and pole, 
and twist it off. 

In young, w r ell pruned orchards, most 
of the eggs can be found — what are miss- 
ed, should be followed up and destroyed as 
soon as they begin to form a web. From 
the dry fall, I am of opinion that we are 
to have a full crop of caterpillars this, 
year. The orchadist should go to w T ork at 
once. 

Much of the peach fruit is killed, but 
there is still some left. The apple bud is 
also somewhat injured, but I hope enough 
for table and culinary purposes are saved, 
and we may have a fair crop. 

Snow fell with us on the 13th full 4 
inches deep. Tho most of it will pass off 
to day (16th) 

The spring bids fair to be a late one. 
Your friend &c . , 

HENRY B. JONES. 
JVear Br owns burg, Rockbridge 

Co., Va. iet/i March, 1857. 



254 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



HINTS ON TOBACCO HOUSES. 

Dear Ruffin — I send this as an adden- 
dum to the article in your February num- 
ber on " Building Tobacco Houses," by 
W. W. M. of Gale Hill. You can take it 
as advice to yourself, or as a communica- 
tion to the Planter, as you may think 
best. 

Every planter should have at least one 
house located upon a steep hill side, fac- 
ing south or east, and as near as practica- 
ble to a branch or river flat. Into the 
hill-side should be dug a cellar, with stone 
or brick walls at least six feet high, where- 
in the crop is to be bulked down. In 
such a cellar you may expect to find 
tobacco in all weather in good stripping 
order. The economy of plantation labor 
requiring that the stripping should be done 
in the cold weather of winter, when hands 
cannot do full work out of doors, it is very 
important that tobacco bulks should be 
found at all times in the same order in 
which the crop was struck down. Hill- 
side houses have this other advantage ; 
the labor of one or two hands is saved in 
hanging by delivering the tobacco directly 
from the wagon into the second or third 
tier through a door in the back of the 
house. A tobacco house protected by the 
hill from the north and west winds, and 
situated near a stream of water, will bring 
tobacco in order with a slight season, 
which is sometimes a very great advan- 
tage. 

I would shed a tobacco house upon but j 
one side — the south or east ; and this only I 
w 7 ith a view to getting a prize and strip- 
ping room. It is a great mistake to shed 
a tobacco house all round ; first, because 
shedding is the most expensive of all room 
in proportion to the quantity of, tobacco 
cured therein; secondly, because it is 
impossible to cure a crop partly in the 
house and partly in sh:ds with uniformity 
of color; and lastly, sheds prevent the to- j 
bacco in the body of the house coming! 
readily in order. The stripping room 
should be at least 20 feet wide, so as to, 
allow the strippers to set on each side of! 
the fire and have room enough behind; 
them to lay the tobacco they are tying. — 
It should be close and furnished with glass 
windows, .so placed as to admit the light 
to as late an hour as possible in the even-| 
lag. 

The prizes should be framed in with 



the building so as to mortice into the joists 
the tops of the prize stumps, and fixed 
swords and fix pullies for raising the beams. 
The prize sills should be held in place by 
cross sills of locust let into the walls of 
the house and shed. There should not 
only be a "bonnet" in the comb of the 
roof, but one on each side, midway of the 
roof, where the house is as much as 24 
feet wide. These, with an opening at the 
eaves, will let out the heat and smoke du- 
ring the process of firing, and through 
them the v. ind does not drive in and break 
the cured tobacco, as in the case with 
open gables. In this, as in all other 
buildings, commence at the bottom and 
don't stick your house up on blocks and 
trust to underpinning. This kind of ma- 
sonry is always imperfectly done and lia- 
ble to tumble down. The onl}' other sug- 
gestion I have to make is this : provide 
yourself with more house loom than you 
ever expect to want, for big tobacco de- 
lights in elbow room. 

Yours, truly, 

R. W. N. N. 
Roy, March 20, T857. 



[For the Southern Planter.] 
« WOOD-PECKER SAW MILL. 

A period of progress and improvement 
in any science, profession, or department 
of human industry, is also apt to be, to 
some extent, a period of empericism and 
humbug. The call for what is excellent 
is sure to be answered, partially at least, 
by counterfeits. The present demand for 
money-saving and labor-saving agricultu- 
ral implements has frequently been met 
by inventions which save the labor and 
the time of the maker, but consume the 
time, and exhaust both the purse and the 
patience of the farmer — where there is 
such liability to imposition, it is both a 
duty and a privilege to commend what is 
really excellent. I discharge this duty 
and enjoy this privilege in recommending 
confidently and warmly to brother farm- 
ers, the Wood-pecker Saw Mill, manufac- 
tured by Mr. John Haw, of Hanover co., 
Virginia. 

In this case, I can say "we speak that 
we do know." I have one of these mills 
in operation on my farm, and 1 have no 
hesitation in saying that it accomplishes 
much more than the modesty of the man- 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



255 



ufacturer has claimed for it. It is durable, I varies greatly, as also does the price of 



cheap, simple and efficient. The mill can 
be attached to the horse-power of any 
wheat thresher, and the draft is decidedly 
less than is required to drive a six horse 
power wheat machine. It will saw with 
ease from 1200 to 1500 feet of plank or 
scantling in a day, and this it will do with 
more safeiy, and in better manner than it 
can be done by either a perpendicular or 
circular saw driven by water or steam — 
cutting a smoother surface it leaves less 
work for the plain than the circular* saw, 
while at the same time it is less liable to 
wabble and get out of line. " All is in- 
deed grist that comes to this mill." It 
cuts with unvarying impartiality through 
knots, snarls, and "bull faces," and walks, 
with an appetite, into any sort of timber 
that is put before it. I have employed, 
about this mill, three hands — one to drive, 
and two to aid the driver in rolling the 
logs on the carriage ; but I have no doubt 
the mill might be placed on a hill side, or 
in a bottom, so that only two hands would 
be required to roll up the logs. 

This is the thing for farmers who wish 
to saw timber for buildings or fences in 
the most expeditious manner, and on the 
cheapest terms. 

S. S. GRESHAM. 
Newtown, March 21s£, 1857. 



« « »-o~>- 



COST OF KEEPING WORK HORSES 
AND OXEN. 

In the usual haphazard management of 
many farmers, they never seem to figure 
the cost of any crop they raise, or ever 
attempt to reckon the cost of rearing to a 
given age their several kinds of stock, 
or even dream of the expense of keeping a 
work horse or yoke of oxen. It might be 
difficult to arrive at the exact cost of win- 
tering a yoke of oxen on many farms, as 
they are at times fed on meadow, then on 
English hay, straw T , corn-fodder, nubbings, 
of corn, &c. ; but in this way of feeding 
through the foddering season a pair of 
seven feet oxen, the actual expense may 
amount to more than many farmers are 
aware of. 

We have some facts s^ owing the cost 
of feeding a span of horses and a yoke 
of oxen for one year, when fed on hay and 
Indian meal, and kept constantly at work. 
Of course, the size of horses and oxen 



hay and corn in different sections of the 
country. As a general rule, it is supposed 
that the quantity of food required by an 
animal, is in proportion to the weight of 
the horse, ox, or sheep. Thus, a horse 
weighing 800 lbs, would require but two- 
thirds the food of one weighing 1,200 lbs. 
So of oXen — a yoke weighing 3,000 lbs. 
would require one-third more food than a 
pair weighing but 2,000 lbs. We do not 
say the above rule is perfectly accurate, 
but taken in connection with some accu- 
rate statements of feeding that we shall 
cite, we think it may afford a tolerable data 
by which the farmer can calculate, some- 
thing near, the expense, per week or 
month, or keeping a horse of yoke of oxen. 
We copy from the "Agriculture 6f Mas- 
sachusetts, for 1855," the statements of 
W. F. Porter, Esq., of Bradford, Mass., 
on the cost of feeding work horses and 
oxen, when kept on hay and meal. He 
says : 

"I have kept from six to ten oxen and 
four horses for the past five years, until 
last spring, when I dispensed with oxen 
altogether. I have learnt by actual expe- 
rience, the cost of keeping Pto be as fol- 
lows: A pair of horses, weighing twelve 
hundred pounds each, will work every 
fair day during the year ten hours, and 
keep fat on six quarts of Indian meal and 
sixteen pounds of good hay each per day. 
A pair of oxen, girting nine feet, or weigh- 
ing thirty or thirty-two hundred weight, 
will require four quarts of Indian meal 
and thirty pounds of good hay each, per 
day, provided they are kept at work as 
many hours as the horses. The cost of 
keeping a pair of horses as above, would 
be, at prices in this vicinity at this time, 
thirty-two pounds of hay per day, at 825 
per ton, forty cents — twelve quarts of In- 
dian meal, $1.12 per bushel, forty-two 
cents — total, eighty-two cents, or $299.30 
for one year. Keeping one pair of oxen 
one day, sixty pounds of hay, $25 per 
ton, seventy-five cents ; eight quarts In- 
dian meal, $1.12 per bushel, twenty-eight 
cents — total, for one day, $1.03. or 
$375.95 for one year." 

These figures will astonisli many far- 
mers; but the horses and oxen were extra 
large, and so were the prices of hay and 
corn. 



25G 



THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



Some two or three years since, Gen. W. 
P. Riddle of Manchester, N. H., informed 
us that he had kept a pair of his work 
horses for the (then) past three years, on 
the daily allowance of four quarts of Jn- 
dinn meal and three pecks of cut hay to 
each horse. On this allowance it requires 
about one bushel of corn per week, or 52 
per year, and one ton of the best quality 
of English hay, for feeding a horse for 
one year. Corn at $1 per bushel, and hay 
at $15 per ton, (the price of each at that 
time,) makes the cost of feeding a pair of 
horses on Gen. R.'s plan amount to $134 
per year. We saw the horses, and think 
they weighed not far from 900 lbs. each. 

A few years since, we owned a pair of 
seven-feet oxen. In the month of May 
we purchased a given quantity of good 
hay at $12 per ton, and corn at $1 per 
bushel. The oxen worked six days in the 
week. The cost of feeding amounted to 
$4 50 'per week, or 64^ cents per day, 
(39 cents per day less than Mr. Porter's 
estimate,) yet the expense of feeding a 
yoke of seven-feet oxen, as it cost us, 
would amount to $234 per year, to say 
nothing of shoeing, taxes, interest on their 
value, risk of sickness, accidents, #c. — 
Query — What should the farmer tax per 
day for the use of his oxen when he 
" works out," hauling wood, manure, 
ploughing, &c, for his neighbor? — Coun- 
try Gentleman. 



of the timber. Cherries were first plant- 
ed in Kent, by the Knight Templars, who 
! brought them from the East; and the first 
mulberry trees were also planted in Kent 
by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. 



Introduction of Plants into England. — 
Pineapples were first grown by Rose, gar- 
dener to Charles II. Sir Walter Raleigh 
introdued the potato. Sir Anthony Ash- 
ley, the ancestor of Lord Shaftesbury, first 
planted cabbages in mis country, and a 
cabbage appears at his feet on his monu- 
ment. Figs were planted in Henry Vlll's 
reign, at Lambeth, by Cardinal Pole, and 
it is said that the identical trees are yet 
remaining*. Spleman, who erected the 
first paper mill at Dartford, brought over 
the two first lime trees, which he planted 
at Dartmouth, and which are still growing 
there. Thomas Cromwell enriched the 
garden of England with three different 
kinds of plums. It was Evelyn, whose 
patriotism was not exceeded by his learn- 
ing, who largely propagated the noble oak 
in this country ; so much so, that the trees 
which he planted have supplied the navy 
of Great Britain with its chief proportion 




THE SOUTHERN PLANTER. 



TO ADVERTISERS. 

The Southern* Planter having a large cir- 
culation in Virginia and North Carolina and 
a very respectable subscription list in theother 
Southern and Western States, offers one of the 
best mediums to advertisers that the State af- 
fords. Those who take it are almost exclu- 
sively farmers, substantial men who live in the 
country; the best customers to every trade, 
(except the lawyers,) the very class whom ad- 
vertisers desire. to reach. To Boarding Schools 
and Academies, the Hotel Keeper, the Drug- 
gist, the Dentist, the Nurseryman, and in 
short to all who have anything to sell or any- 
thing to makeknown, the " Southern Planter" 
is recommended with confidence not only on 
account of the high character of those who sub- 
scribe to it, but likewise by the fact that it 
possesses the additional advantage of being 
printed in Book form and stitched, it is there- 
fore more apt to be preserved than an ordina- 
ry newspaper, which gives to advertisers a bet- 
ter chance of keeping themselves before the 
people. 

The increased business of this department 
of the li Planter" since it has been under- 
taken proves that those who have tried it, find 
it to their interest to encourage the enterprise. 
ADVERTISEMENTS 

Will be inserted at the following rates : — 
For each square of ten lines, first insertion. 
One Dollar; each continuance Seventy -Five 
Cents. 

Advertisements out of the City must \>e ac- 
companied with the money to insure their in- 
sertion. 



LIST OF PAYMENTS 

From March 1, to March 23. 

All persons who have made payments early enough to he entered, and whose names do not appear in the 
following receipt list, are requested to give immediate notice of the omission, in order that the correction 
may he made in the next issue : 



S A Brock, Nov. 1857 

W A Barnes, J ul v 1857 

E W Dudley, 

J Barnes, •' 

Danl Fisher, " 

J as B Over " 

It W Old, 

N B Richardson, Jan 1857 

John B Dowiunun, Jan 1858 

1) E Jiggitts, " 

H L. 1'lu miner, " 

W P Coe 

R T W Duke, Mav 1858 

H A Kite Jau 1858 

Win H Fowlkes, July 1857 

Geo Gorton, Jan 1858, 

Wm OSIade, July 1857 

M L Anderson, Jan'v 1858 

E. G Leigh, 

John Goodwin " 

P J Fowlkes, M 

J S Nichoia •'• 

Geo VV Pen, /an 1868 

Dr Wm / uistian Jau 185S 

T K Miller, 

J H EUerson, 

A E Jenkins, " 

J L Deans " 

VV B Gates, 

N C Crenshaw, 

Wm P Tate, March 1857 

Wm Griffin, January 1853 

A W Womaek, 

H S Hathewav, " 

JiTerrill, January I860 

Will Davis White Jan 1858 

R Sayers, July 1857 

Geo Laurence, January 1858 

G F Harrison, Oct 1858 

H M Baker, March 1858 

James VV Graves, Feb 1857 

Charles T Graves Jan L858 

Win L Harrison " 

N B Massenburg, 

II T Junes July 1856, 

J E Perkinson, Jan 1853 

H Fitzhugh, 

J VV Old, 

D Malbaue, 

Col J VV Leu is. " 

W M Marshall, " 

John B Spencer, March 1857 

Jas Massie, Sep 1856 

A Gills, Oct 1S57 

J A Bell, Jan 1857 

John M Venable, Jan 18 ">8 

11 Sigourney '' 

VV T Walters 

Dr A VV Downey, Jan 1857 

John Frost, July 1857 

James M Johns, Jan 1853 

R B Hei.d.iek, 

S W Tmistall, March 1857 



2 no 

1 00 
1 00 

1 00 
1 00 
1 00 
1 00 

1 25 

2 00 
2 00 
2 00 
5 00 
5 00 
2 00 

1 00 

2 00 

1 00 

2 50 

3 00 
5 00 

3 25 
2 00 

4 00 
2 00 

1 50 

2 00 
3. 00 

2 00 
1 25 

3 25 

1 66 

2 00 
2 01) 
2 00 

5 00 
5 00 
2 CO 

2 00 

3 00 
2 00 

I 42 

1 33 

2 00 
2 0J 
7 50 

4 50 

1 00 
■\ 00 

2 00 
2 00 
2 00 
1 35 
1 00 
1 00 

1 OJ 
4 00 

2 00 
2 00 
2 00 
1 00 

1 00 

2 00 
2 92 



2 CO 
2 00 

1 00 

2 00 
2 00 



Col R W Carter, Jan 1858 
P C Hungerford, 
llo Campbell, »« 

John T Clarke, " 

W N Parker, 
Alexander Kerr, " 

L M Coleman «» 

J Jarratt, April 1857 
Wm Massie, January 1858 
Jos S Spengler •' 

Wm M Harris " 

Geo O Fortune, u 

John J L Stevens, " 
A W Harris, " 

Jos Ligon "' 

J B Strong, " 

James W Dadney, " 
J B Bramham, Jan 1856 
John C Mitchell July 1853 
D S Cox, Jan 1856 
VV B Hudnall, July 1856 
Thomas Nicholls " 
R. L. Wright, 15 May 1857 
Capt J Morton, Janv 1858 
E R Coke "" 

Ro R Wilson, " 

L Elam, 

Dr P h Anderson " 
J H Eustace, ' 

W VV Hancock, 

1) B Hancock, " 

Dr T VV JNeal 

E S Coleman, " 

Col F Yates, 

M Davis, Jr., March 1857, 

Wm E Meade, Jan 1859 

R L Hurt, Jany 1856 
James Allen, January 1858, 

W B Irby Januarv 1853 

RL Hurt, June 1857 

Geo H. Toler, Jan 1857 

E Cunningham, Jan 1858 

Bev. Randolph, 

VVinS Turner, Julv 1856, 

R E Farrar, Janv lS5S 

V M Eppes, 

Dr W J Dupuv. " 

G T Thomas, May 185S 

E C Lindsay, 

Thomas Wood, April 1857 

Dr James L Jones, Jau 1858, 2 00 

B Hoover, April 1858 2 00 

00 
00 
2 00 
2 67 
2 00 
5 00 
2 CO 
10 00 
2 00 
2 00 
2 00 



00 

00 

00 

00 

00 

00 

2 00 

2 00 

2 00 

2 00 

2 00 

00 

00 

0!) 

00 

25 

75 

25 

2 58 

2 00 

2 00 

3 00 

1 ()0 

2 00 
2 <>0 
2 00 

2 00 

3 25 
2 00 
1 67 

4 CO 

1 25 

2 00 
2 00 
1 00 

94 
00 
00 
00 
00 
CO 



2 
2 

6 

2 
3 
2 50 

2 00 

3 00 
1 45 



J N Griffin, 15th March 1857, I 
J L Maury, Jan 1858 2 

B B Keesee, " 2 

J F Harper, " 2 

R A Hundley, Jan 1S58 2 

T P Devereaux, March 1860 5 
Jos Hobson, Jan 1853 2 

L B Hawkins. July 1856, 
M Q, Holt, January 1858 
RH Allen, 
A B Davidson. " 



Thos Hughes, " 2 

C Rea, Dec 1857 2 

F Modena, January 1853 2 

L W T Wiekham " 2 

John Jones, Julv 1856 6 

Dr T J Wooldri'dge, Jan 1858 2 

Col J A McCraw, Jan 1858 3 

M Gravitt, •' 2 

N V Watkins, " 2 

Dr VV Perry, " 15 

John Clarke, " 

Wm G Friend, " 

J M Sublett, " 

Wm P Tucker, " 

E Bruminell, " 

Ro Moir, « 

P Fowlkes, " 

Mrs S VV Briggs, Mar 1857 

Win S Lane. July 1856, 

Jos TPriddy, Jany 1858, 

Jos Slinson" *' 

Wm C Scott " 

C Clover, " 

Wm S Kemper, " 

D VV Waller, 

John VV. Powell, " 

J B Donovan, August 1857 

Thos Sharp, Nov 1857 

Julian C Ruffin, Janv 1858 

Win S Harris, July 1857 

James L Harris, Jan 1858 

Geo Hairston, Jr., Jan 1858 

James L Harris, '• 

Wm T French " 

J V Kirkpatnck, " 

Geo B Trimble, M 

Wm Jennings, Jan 1858, 

Chas P Chiton, " 

Dr. H Lewis, " 

P F Boisseau, 

William Parrish, " 

Dr. J VV M orris, " 

Dr. J M Hurt, 

James Newbold " 

James C Cook, 15 Aug 1857 

H N Pendleton, Jany 1853 

G H Pendleton, " 

Miss V L Harrison " 

Thos G Turner, Jan 1859 

B Dodson, Apl 1857 

A Anderson, Jan 1857 

VV R Yates, Januarv 185S 

E Tarrv, 

C Clarke. " 

F H Perkins, 

E VV Poindexter, " 

A Hamlet, " 

VV S Dabnev, Jan 1853 

G VV Turner, Jan 1858 

Col J Dupuy. Jan 1853 

John Sinton, " 

T W B Edwards " 

W H llaichett, 



E. T. WINSTON Sl CO., 

SOLE AGENTS IN RICHMOND, VA.. FOR 



00 
00 
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58 
CO 
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00 
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CO 
00 
CO 
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62 
90 
25 
CO 
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MANIPULATED GUANO 



April 1857.- tt. 



KETTLEWELL'S MANIPULATED CUANO. 



NOTICE. 

The arrangement heretofore existing between the 
undersigned in the manipulation and sale of "Reese's 
Manipulated Guano," has been by mutual consent 
discontinued, and the article- hereafter will be manip- 
ulated and sold under their individual name and re- 
sponsibility-' 

The advertisements heretofore published, and the 
certificates which have been and may hereafter be ob- 
tained in reference to the action of the article hereto- 
fore sold, to be used by both parties in their future 
business, JOHN KE TTLEWELL, 

JOHN S r . REESE. 

November 10, 1856. 

From the above annunciation it will be seen that 
the "arrangement" heretofore existing between Mr. 
John S. Reese and myself, iu the sub' of the Manipu- 
ted Guano, branded "Reese's" Manipulated Guano, 
has been dissolved. The. undersigned now offers to 
the Agricultural public the same article sold by them, 
and manipulated as that was, at his own works, and 
under the same superintendance. 

Alter years of toil and sacrifice in search of a rival 
compete with that great gormandiser of popular 
\ Peruvian Guano, be may be pardoned in eon- 
dating himself upon having originated the. thought 
article, which all who have used, pronounce to 
be its superior and master, both for land anJ crop. 

The high merits, peculiar combination, finely pulve- 
rised condition and adaptation of this article has al 
ready been extensively circulated by advertisement 
and pamphlet, during the above arrangement over the 
signature of Mr. John S. Reese. But after all, the 
whole thing is so plain and simple, so demonstrative, 
and practical, that it appears at once to the common 
sense of the consumer. The undersigned never yet 
saw a farmer who did not at the moment express his 
confidence and approval the instant [w. saw it. The 
mode of manipulation alone is beyond the reach of 
the Agriculturist. Mere mixture, the technical exper- 
iments of the undersigned proved would not do. It 
requires the most intimate combination, the closest 
integration, to produce a counter, or mutual action 
upon each other, of two elements, the ammonia and 
phosphate; affording of the first and the last precise- 
ly what the soil and the grain or the plant requires. — 
To effect this demands costly machinery, and expe- 
rience to produce a necessary uniformity, and abso- 
lute combination. It is a perfect copartnership, based 
upon natural laws, Peruvian Guano is too fast and 
stimulates, Phosphutic Guano is slower and surer, 
hence a union of the two, in a way which providence 
first gives the intelligence to man, and then requires 
of him the industry and sagacity to dev elope for the 
complete supply of his wants. This seems to be the 
leading principle and design of the great giver of 
"every good and 'perfect gift-" The minerals of the 
earth, the grain and the grass, the trees of the forest, 
the very water we drink, all seem to require the exer 
cise of an industrial, or intellectual effort upon the 
part of mankind, to fulfil the various purposes for 
which they were bestowed upon him. 

The object of the present, however. i< simply to ad- 
vise the public that hereafter he a ill sell the " Manip- 
ulated Uuano" upon his own '•individual responsi- 
bility," and that he accept* that responsibility in its 
every aspect of personal honor and integrity, as well 
as business energy and promptness: with an organi- 
sation of arrangements that will command public con- 
fidence, afford the amplest facilities, and lie hopes ren- 
der a wry large public service. 

At a subsequent period he will give a more extend- 
ed notice, and explanation of his " Manipulated Gua- 
no," besides (to the agriculturist) the result of some 
very interesting experiments which lie made upon his 
own farm, (with certificates attached,) running thro' 
a period of two years previous to its introduction to 
the public. 11.- will also embrace somo letleisfrom 
the m.:st successful and intelligent farmers of the 



Slate, with whom he counselled during the progress 
of these experiments. 

Certificates have been heretofore published under 
the " arrangement" of its entire and complete success, 
and to these will be added others of the most decided 
and satisf dory character. In the mean time, he asks 
a fair and impartial consideration from that great in- 
terest, who are so deeply concerned iu everything that 
tends to increase crop, improve soil, and reduce price. 
He will also give due notice of the location of his of- 
fice in this city, (now at the wholesale Drug Store of 
Ober & Co., corner of Hanover and Lombard streets,) 
agencies in other States, and invites all who fpel an 
interest in so important a subject, to fill up the leisure 
of their winter evenings by freely writing to him for 
whatever information they may desire, anil which, he 
need not add, will be promptlv given. 

The Manipulated is offered of two qualities, No. 1 
and No. 2. No. 1 is war ran led to contain over 8 per 
cent, of Ammonia, and from 45 to 50 per cent, of phos- 
phate of lime, and is sold at $48 per ton of 2,000 lbs. 
The No. 2 is warranted to contain by analysis 5£ per 
cent, of ammonia, and from 50 to 55 per cent, of bone 
phosphate of lime, and is sold at $43 per ton of 2,000 
ibs. The name of the undersigned vvill be stencilled 
upon every bag, and future prices be governed by l. = e 
price of Peruvian Guano. This anicle is no longer 
an experiment. 

JOHN KE TTLEWELL, 
At the wholesale Drag Store of Ober & Co., 
Corner of Lombard &, Hanover Sts. Bait. 



A Plain Exposition of 

Kettle well's jxtanipulated Guano. 

Tts Origin, Chemical Tlwory,and Practical Results; 
Embracing a certified demonstration of its superiority 

over Peruvian Guano, id the excess of a first crop, 

at the same time giving a durable improvement to 

the soil equivalent to Bone Dust, it being warranted 

in a legal sen-e to contain of the No. I, 8 percent. 

of Ammonia and 45 to 50 per cent, of Phosphate of 

Lime. By John KeWewell. 

In the March number of the American Farmer. I 
published a pamphlet with the above caption, from 
which 1 make the following quotation: 

"The deficiency of phosphates, and the stimulation 
of ammonia is no where more readily seen than iu the 
growth of the Tobacco plant. Dealers in the Tobacco 
leaf can almost tell tobacco grown by the use of Pe- 
ruvian Guano. The large, thin, slende.r and flaggy 
leaf nt once shows its paternity, whilst that grown 
from the "Manipulated Guano" abundantly supplied 
with the phosphates, exhibits that firm greasy appear- 
ance, observed in all tobacco grown upon new soil.— 
The attention therefore of tobacco planters is especi- 
ally invited to this article— let neither prejudice, fear, 
imposition or apprehension of result, deter (hem from 
trving it, even if only as an experiment. The remarks 
apply with equal force to Wheat, Rye, Corn, Oats and 
grass." 

The above pamphlet can be had either on appli- 
cation to myself, or to my agents in Richmond, Messrs. 
Hugh YV Pry & Sons, or the general agent in Balti- 
more, G. Ober & Co., 6 Bovvlv's Wharf. Any infor- 
mation will be furnished by application to either i*f 
said parties. 
I No. I " Manipulated Guano" { phosphatic, \ Peru- 
vian, containing 8 per cent of ammonia, and 45 to 50 
per cent, of Phosphates, warranted — $48 per ton of 
2,0CQ pounds. 

No. 2. '. Peruvian, ',', Mexican, 5 per cent. nnv< onia, 
I and 45 to 50 per cent, of phosphates, warrant, d — $43 
per ton of 2,000 pounds. 

Corn manure for the hill. $33 per ton of 2,000 lbs. 

Potash and plaster for the improvement or the To- 
bacco leaf, $1 per barrel. 

JOIL\ KETTLE WELL, or 
I G.OBER, General Agent for 

the sale of " Keltlewcll's Manipulated Guano," No. G 
Rovvlv's Wharf. April IS 57.